CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Tears and cheers filled downtown Cleveland streets as marathon runners crossed the finish line right into the arms of emotional supporters.
Hundreds braved windy conditions to show unwavering encouragement to the participants of the 48th annual Cleveland Marathon. The marathon included a full, half, 10K and 5K races.
Some people arrived at 6:30 a.m. at the start of the race, signs scattered throughout reading, “Who Runs The World? Girls,” “Run Mom Run,” “26.2 Reasons to Brag,” among others. Others used the power of their voices to praise and support the runners.
“Go Alexis!” shouted a group, including the runner’s aunt Monique Williams of Cleveland.
“Seeing her cross that finish line, I couldn’t stop crying,” Williams said. “I had my phone ready to go because I wanted to make sure I captured this moment.”
Maya Thompson of Solon brought her dog Bailey. Both watched for Thompson’s best friend to finish.
“We have been having a great time, especially Bailey,” Thompson said. “This is such a great atmosphere, and we can’t wait to see her cross the finish line.”
Jayna Hoover of Westlake was part of a group that had been at the race since 6:30 a.m. to make sure her co-worker “and bestie” knew she had support.
“[This is] Becca’s first time running a marathon,” Hoover said. “She’s been training for six months and I’m so proud of her.
“I’m glad to be here today to watch her cross the finish line. It’s so emotional. She didn’t think she could do it, but I knew she could.”
In addition to the races, the marathon featured music, dozens of booths touting health and fitness products, a photo booth, marathon merchandise and more.