Runners brave cooler temperatures for annual Lakefront Marathon

MILWAUKEE -- Runners braved cooler temperatures along Milwaukee's lakefront Sunday morning, October 7th for the 32nd annual Lakefront Marathon.

The race started at Grafton High School and continued along Milwaukee's lakefront.

"It's like a wedding. You do all the planning and you thank everyone for coming. You thank them for helping, and you hope you don't trip on your train on the way down the aisle," race director Kris Hinrichs said.

3,200 runners from 35 states and two countries pushed through 26.2 miles. They were greeted with cheering family and friends and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

After just two hours and 27 minutes, the first runner -- Paul Zdroik crossed the finish line.

"You've got to stick to three things: training, discipline and dedication, and you'll be fine. It's all about discipline really," Zdroik said.

"You can't really ask for a better day," first-place female finisher Jacqui Giuliano said.

Jacqui Giuliano finished the marathon in two hours and fifty-five minutes.  She was greeted at the finish line by her fiance Ryan Giuliano.

"We're getting married on Saturday, so I decided to race under what will be my married name. I kind of wanted to start off our marriage right," Jacqui Giuliano said.

"There's nothing more exciting than watching her finish. Coming here, I was more excited to see where she would finish," Ryan Giuliano said.

Ryan Giuliano fiance finished third overall.

Top finishers received a $500 prize and a medal. They say it's not about the money -- but the pride.

Also Sunday -- runners participated in the Chicago Marathon. An estimated 45,000 took part in the 26.2 mile run -- hailing from 50 states and 115 countries.

CLICK HERE for additional information regarding the 2012 Lakefront Marathon.