Thousands weave through downtown streets for LifeTime Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K race

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands of runners lined up across the starting line on a picture-perfect Sunday morning for the LifeTime Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K.

Andrew Daniels came in second place in the half marathon.

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"It was super humid, so I immediately knew I had to go at a slower time than I normally would be. But it was really fun," Daniels said.

The half marathon began at 7 a.m. on Columbus Drive near Monroe. The 10K run kicked off at 7:45 a.m.

Crowds of supporters lined Columbus Drive to provide the ultimate race hype as athletes made their way towards the Lakefront Trail.

Family, friends and total strangers held creative signs to keep the runners motivated as they pounded the pavement while some four-legged supporters just wanted a nap.

Tony Cruz and his wife, Diana Sarmiento-Cruz, traveled all the way from Miami to cheer on their daughter.

"She's been working really hard to get ready for this event, and now, seeing her this morning takes it all to another level," Cruz said.

For some runners, crossing the finish line hit differently.

"I ran and I walked, so I basically did 5 miles a day. They say that helps the chemo move through your body," said Jennifer Christensen.

Christensen, of Wilmette, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer nearly one year ago.

She says she ran just about every day as she underwent chemotherapy, even running in different races during treatment.

On Sunday, she ran the 10K, cancer-free, with her daughter.

"It's pretty emotional as you might imagine, because I'm alive, and I'm in remission," Christensen said.

It was a race well-run by thousands taking on the city in stride.