Thousands of runners pounded the pavement Saturday to take part in one of the Island's best-known races.

The 37th annual Cow Harbor 10K kicked off this morning in Northport. The race has been named one of the 100 best runs in the country.

Crowds of fans cheered on the runners. Athletes from throughout the country turned out to participate in the event.

Aaron Braun, of Colorado, was named the men's winner. He says he ran the Cow Harbor race four years ago and was close to winning, but didn't pull it off in the end. He came back this year for redemption.

Brianne Nelson, also of Colorado, was named the women's winner.

Several local charities benefited from the run, including the Special Olympics and the VA.