SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- It was a crowded arena Sunday morning in Central Park as hundreds of runner got ready to hit the ground running, literally. However, running in this race takes more than just showing up.

"A lot of running, a lot of waking up early, and a lot of running in the dark,” said Tracey Elberth, Athens resident.

Runners have trained months for this Marathon and many are hoping this one will qualify them to run the Boston Marathon, but just about every runner we talked to said a run like this, it not easy.

"Yes, pace yourself, run at your own pace. I think that's the most important thing,” said Michelle Smola, Berlin, Connecticut resident.

The route runs along the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, using 18 miles of paved bikeways. While it can be scenic, it can still be tiring.

Some runners call it "the wall". The moment you feel like you just can't go anymore, but runners in Sunday's race say fans help knock it down, and keep them going.

"I do like to listen to the people on the sidelines. You know, the kids with signs. You know, go mom and banners and horns and things like that,” said Cindy Lassond, 12-time marathon runner.

"Fans are always really, really important. It's amazing there's always one person who, you pass them and they absolutely give you that energy to keep going,” said JoAnn Mannino, New York City resident.

And when they finally cross that finish line, most know exactly what's waiting for them.

"The prospect of going to the pump station afterwards,” said Pauline Carrico, Albany resident.

"There's a bagel at the end of the finish line. I'm looking for that,” said Mark Lassond, first time runner.

There's nothing like crossing the finish line at a marathon, you feel so great about yourself.

Runners looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon will have to wait until next April. But the New York City Marathon is just around the corner on November 2nd.