Thousands of runners from across the world participate in Life Time Chicago Half Marathon and 5K

CHICAGO (WLS) -- One foot in front of the other, thousands of runners from near and far took over Chicago's Jackson Park for the 28th Life Time Chicago Half Marathon and 5K on Sunday.

"I love being at the finish line, just seeing everyone come through with their arms up. They've got huge smiles, and you can just tell they have worked so hard for this," said Allison Humbert Wilkinson with Life Time Fitness.

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Athletes from all 50 states and more than 40 countries gave it their all along the picture-perfect course, taking runners up and down the lakefront on the city's South Side.

Michigan's Matthew Popielarz finished the half marathon first in the men's division with a time of 1:11:01.

"This is exactly what I wanted out of the day. The wind was a nice plus. It was a nice opportunity to run with a pack of some guys for a while. Was feeling good and decided to pull away for the last half of the race," Popielarz said.

Antonio Gnecco Gonzalez of Colombia finished second with a time of 1:12:05.

Michael James of Barrington, Illinois was the first to cross the 5K finish line with a time of 17:27.

Mexico's Constanza Ramos was among the first women to finish Sunday morning's half marathon.

She says crossing that finish line is a feeling like nothing else.

"It was, like, impressive. I'm really excited. I love running," Ramos said.

But where would these inspiring athletes be without their support squads? Houston's Diana Betancourt is here all the way from the Lone Star State to cheer on her son and his girlfriend.

"I love these races. I always get a little bit emotional when I see them at the start and the finish," Betancourt said. "I know the hard work that it takes to get to that point, so it's very exciting to see him accomplish such a huge feat because this is not an easy race."

To see the results of the race, click here.