Nearly 38,000 runners hit the pavement in Staten Island Sunday, dipping into the Bronx before completing the ING New York City Marathon.

Thousands made it to mile mark 20 in the South Bronx. With six miles to go, hundreds came out to keep the adrenaline going and to cheer on the runners.

Bronx natives say they take pride in hosting the one-mile leg of the world?s biggest race that winds through the five boroughs.

Councilmember Joel Rivera was the only Bronx politician to participate in the race. It was his first time.

?I feel amazing, I just ran about 20 miles, my body feels great, I feel energized,? Rivera said as he entered the home stretch. ?We're entering the beautiful Bronx and for the 10 minutes I'm going to be here, we're going to celebrate.?

Paula Radcliffe, of Britain, and Gete Wami, of Ethiopia, passed the pack to come out in front with Radcliffe ultimately winning the women?s race. It was Radcliffe?s second New York City Marathon win.

Martin Lel, of Kenya, took the men?s title.