CHARLOTTE -- The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon brought thousands of runners to neighborhood streets Saturday morning.

About 6,000 people did a full, half, 5k or one mile course to benefit the Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital's "Child Life Program," Boy Scout troops, and other nonprofit organizations.

The marathon's medical director says the 32 degree start sometimes causes runners to take off too fast, that can spell pulled muscles or joint issues.

What folks do post-race is also key, like grabbing a nutritious meal and rehydrating can make or break recovery time.

"You want to take care of the sore muscles," said Dr. Keith Anderson. "You don't want to be up and around all day. It is okay to move around a little bit, it helps work out some of the soreness and the muscles tightening down."

If post-race soreness lasts more than a week, Anderson suggests taking a trip to the doctor.

The race wrapped up with an after party at Romare Bearden Park.