Thousands of people lined Delaware Avenue early on a foggy Sunday morning to cheer on 5,200 runners competing in the Buffalo Marathon.

Some, like Cadence, 6, were cheering their family.

She was there to cheer on her aunt, Callie. “We're going to give her a big hug” when the race was over, Cadence said.

Others were rooting for their friends, supporting with signs and humor.

One read, “If you want a ride home, run faster. We're leaving soon."

The gentle nudges and encouragement perked up the runners, including this year’s winners: Two New Yorkers took the championship title for both the men’s and women’s races.

Joseph Whalen, originally from Hamburg, won the men’s 26.2 mile race in two hours and 22 minutes.

Now a Texan, he wanted to come back home and take the championship title.

"My family doesn't get many opportunities to see me race elsewhere because I race all over the country, so it's great,” Whelan said. “Just a big bucket list race to get the win in Buffalo."

This is his third marathon win and he'll be competing again in June in Duluth, Minnesota.

Ellie Pell from Ithaca took the win for the women’s race in two hours and 48 minutes, which was under her goal of two hours and 50 minutes.

"It was a good day, very thankful,” Pell said. “Now I don't feel so bad paying for valet parking last night. I can afford it now."

She competed in the Buffalo Marathon three years ago and wanted to come back to win.

This is only her second marathon ever and for her, winning this race means everything.

"My mom's from here, so I love this city,” said Pell. “If there was a race in New York to win, I'm so happy it's this one."