Thousands Of Female Marathoners Run For A Cure In Record Numbers

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS13) - It was a record crowd running the streets of San Francisco and coming closer to a cure.

The Nike Women's Marathon and Half Marathon is the largest in the world.

The energy was explosive as adrenaline rose with the sun as the masses took off on a journey for survivors by stepping in for those who couldn't.

"I do this in honor of my survival and in honor of my grandmother, who passed away from lymphoma in 2000," said Erica Cotter.

There were countless stories of cancer that couldn't crack the spirit of the 25,000 road warriors who trekked over San Francisco's steep hills. They were soaking in the skyline and scenery, all for people like Kimberly Cummings.

"I was first diagnosed in 2011, only nine months out of chemo," said Cummings.

She says donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through Nike's marathon helped pay for a drug that cured her.

One of the best parts of the race was having a cool drizzly day the entire time; but after, it got chilly. So, some runners wrapped up in mylar bags.

Crossing that finish line was a feat in itself.

"This is something I never thought I would actually be doing," said Katie Beers.

Sacramento morning radio host Beers barely ran five minutes on a treadmill. A year later, she finished her first half marathon.

"It was painfu; took a really long time, but emotional. I don't know; I'm kind of on cloud 9," said Beers.

Friendships were solidified, and even love was sanctified. As one woman crossed the finish line, she found her boyfriend on one knee, and the rest was marathon history.

Good Day Sacramento's Melissa Cabral ran as well. At the finish line, she, along with other runners received a Tiffany's necklace from a tuxedo clad firefighter, proving this race sure knows how to cater to women.

But, the marathon's true meaning was on nearly every t-shirt. It's a race for hope, for a cure and a cancer-free world.

That hope is giving survivors strength as we all stepped in solidarity.