We spoke to Detroit marathon runners about why they choose to race

As the crisp fall breeze blows through the air on Sunday morning, Windsor's waterfront is wide awake. The Detroit Free Press Marathon brings thousands of runners over the Ambassador Bridge and through downtown Windsor, and each competitor has their own reason for running. I am running with Black Girls Run, my very first half marathon, to celebrate me being three years breast cancer free, and I am excited to be here. After being a breast cancer survivor, it's even more important to make sure that I am continuing to move and make sure that I continue to build my health. I am raising awareness and raising money for NPKUA, which is the National Fetal Clitonuria Association. And it's a rare metabolic disorder that my son has. We wanted to raise awareness and raise funds. For one local spectator, injuries took her out of the running years ago. And since 2011, she's suited up to give participants the push they need. I like being the banana. I like being known as the banana. It's the one day of the year I get to act like an idiot and people enjoy it, since I already do that in my everyday life. You know what? It's just nice to spread a little bit of happiness, even if it's just an appeal. Some runners say you don't need to be an elite athlete to participate. Just do it. It's fun. You know, you don't have to strive to like a time to be the best. Just start slow and steady and you'll be fine. It's great. Fun times. And then you have your friends to come and support you. Put your foot in. Try it. I mean, what's the worst thing you can do? Not finish? Even back of the pack or finishing last, it's still better than just being on the couch. You're better than me on the couch. You're always laughing at the person on the couch. Ferndale, Michigan's Andy Bowman won the race, finishing 26 miles in 2 hours and 12 minutes. Justin Escoto, CBC News, Windsor.