WASHINGTON -- Phil Fenty is not only D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty's father, he's also a prominent member of the District's running community.

Fenty has called the Fleet Feet store home for more than 24 years.

Video: Watch The Report | Complete Wirefly National Marathon Coverage

He has seen the running community swell in the city, and he believes it's for good reason.

"I think it's the No. 1 city in the country," he said. "You got excellent trails, hills, the riverfront."

In the back room of Fleet Feet, Fenty keeps the shoes he first wore to pound the pavement in the early '70s.

"We used to put glue on the soles to help for traction, and there was absolutely no cushion," he said. "Marathon running is completely different today. The times are so much better, and shoes have a lot to do with it."

By looking at the walls and the racks of Fleet Feet, it's apparent technology has changed the sport, improving times in all kinds of conditions.

In the last two years, Fenty has competed in several triatholons with his son.

"It's fun," he said. "He's usually far ahead of me, but it's fun experiencing the competition together."