More than 1200 runners stretched and loosened up at the corner of state and wyman early this morning, waiting to hear Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey start the race. 20-plus States were represented in Rockford's first marathon since 1978.

The route took them North, mostly along Main Street until they entered the forest preserve off of Bauer Parkway. Crossing the river and working their way back along the path on the East side of the Rock.

Mike McPheters

"The front half is out and back, pretty much flat. The second 13...Wooo...A lot of hills. It really took it's toll."

It sounded like that was the make or break point on the course for many of the runners. It was where today's winner, Ben Schneider of Rockford, permanently took the lead and went on to win with a personal best time of about 2.5 hours.

Ben Schneider - Male Winner

"We got to the hills around 20th street. I put on a little bit of a surge and he never caught up."

Schneider is an Auburn grad and just finished grad school at the University of Illinois but he wasn't the only NIC-10 representative in the winner's circle. Shannon Fitzgerald is a teacher at Rockford Boylan and the 2008 female winner of the marathon.

Shannon Fitzgerald - Female Winner

"I've done Chicago, this was a harder course than Chicago. That's for sure."

Overall, both organizers and runners were very happy with the first year event...

Tom Lichty - Local Runner

"For a first time event, it went very well. Perfect weather. Good turnout."

Steve Korn - Marathon Coordinator

"We made it. It's been a successful day. The comments that we've gotten from the runners have been very favorable. I'm sure we didn't do everything perfect. It's a big undertaking and we've amateurs at this but we came off and we're very happy with it."