Thousands of runners pounded the pavement Saturday in the annual Cow Harbor 10K Race.

Chopper 12 was over the starting line as the 38th annual race got underway.

More than 4,500 athletes participated in the 6.2-mile race.

A man from Oregon was named the men's winner, clocking in at just over 29 minutes. In the women's division, a 34-year-old from Colorado placed first.

The course is considered one of the best in the country by Runners World Magazine. It's a mostly smooth course with some hilly challenges, and residents who live along the route gather to cheer on the runners. Some spectators dressed were in cow costumes and armed with cow bells for inspiration.

The race raises money for the Special Olympics, the Veterans Administration and local food pantries.