Thousands of people were running through the streets of Bakersfield Sunday for the third annual Bakersfield Marathon.

CJ Albertson of Fresno won the marathon with a time of 2 hours, 19 minutes and 45 seconds.

Mohammed Hussein of Ethiopia was just thirteen seconds behind him. He took second place.

But, they were not the only winners Sunday morning

Eight-year-old Anastasia Purcel finished the half marathon with a smile on her face and a team right by her side.

“It means so much to have support from people that love me,” said Purcel.

Anastasia is a cancer survivor. She also has down syndrome, but none of that stopped her from finishing the race.  

 “Just a smile on her face is worth everything. She was smiling the whole time when she runs, she loves to run and that’s worth everything,” said cancer survivor, James Miller.

Miller teamed up with runner Bryan Matthews to help little Anastasia’s dream of running in a marathon come true.

“Thank you to all that support me, in all my dreams,” said Purcel.

The 23ABC team was also at the Bakersfield Marathon passing out water, Gatorade and lending their support to runners.  

23ABCs Evening Anchor, Jessica Harrington ran the half marathon and 23ABCs General Manager, Adam Chase ran the entire marathon.