Marathon Sunday By ESPN Kids Writer

As the runners crossed over the 59th Street Bridge from Queens into Manhattan, they were met with endless throngs of cheering fans. The crowd continued to roar all up and down First Avenue, supporting the 44,000 runners who took part in last weekend's New York City Marathon.

Crowds: One of the most exciting aspects of the New York City Marathon is the crowd. This year, an estimated two million fans lined the route, waving signs and ringing cowbells to motivate the runners. It's no secret that marathons are exceptionally difficult. Athletes train for months to run 26.2 miles, and even then it's a challenge. Many of the runners get very tired during the race. That's where the fans come in. The loud cheering serves to motivate the runners - it gives them energy and helps them finish the race.

Teamwork: The people in the crowd aren't the only ones offering their support to the runners. Even though they are competing as individuals; the runners help each other through the course of the race. In Sunday's women's race, fourth-place finisher Paula Radcliffe injured her leg less than halfway through the course. Over the next several miles, Radcliffe's rival Derartu Tulu urged her on, telling Radcliffe that she could do it. Tulu ended up winning the race, with Radcliffe less than a minute behind her. Radcliffe nearly collapsed out of pain and exhaustion, but Tulu was there to lend support.

This year's New York City Marathon was a great example of true sportsmanship. Everybody involved, from the fans to the champions and the challengers supported each other. The marathon is a race, but all runners are winners due to their hard work and dedication.

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