Elite runners pound the pavement for windy Philadelphia Marathon

Elite runners took off down the Ben Franklin Parkway around 7:00 a.m. to compete in a chilly 2016 Philadelphia marathon.

On a 26.2 mile course - these long distance runners pounded the pavement of several city neighborhoods like Fairmount, Manayunk, University City, and Old City.

For Kimutai Cheruiyot - it was a 2 hour 15 minute and 53 second trip -- a record-breaking finish and a first place title.

"A lot of hills - up and down," he said.

A scenic course that first Female finisher Taylor Ward of Alabama said was beautiful - the 26-year-old's win was also pretty sweet.

"I can't even describe it something I always hoped to do once in my lifetime and to be able to do it today - huge."

That first female finisher said the wind was a big challenge throughout the course - it wasn't the easiest day to be a dedicated supporter on the sidelines.

Lots of layers and some shivers in between sideline selfies - even still, fans showed their excitement.

Jenny Ramirez from Bergen County, NJ said, "I'm here supporting husband he's running his second marathon and I was here yesterday as well ran my first 8k tank top with hot sun now I'm bundled up waiting for him to get here."

Michael Vido from Fairmount said, "Not necessarily ideal conditions but keep pushing through it

One man who knows all about pushing through it - Wayne Pacconi runs the race as a pacer.

"My group this time is 3:45 so my responsibility is to run even paces 8:34 from start of race to very end of race."

With 25 cheer sections along the course and several thousand people lining the sidewalks - it's the support that helps these runners finish strong.

"It's the joy you see in their eyes when they finish and get a PR or Boston qualifier is fantastic."