Updated: Sun Oct. 14 2007 7:22:37 PM

toronto.ctv.ca

The Toronto Marathon proved to be a success for those who broke their record time and for others who just wanted to test their strength.

Two Toronto residents clocked in as the fastest male and female at the finish line Sunday. Charles Bedley came in first place, running 42 km in two hours, 21 minutes and 58 seconds.

"Oh, it was tough," he said, wiping the sweat off his brow.

Leslie Black came in not too long after, finishing the race after two hours, 58 minutes and 47 seconds.

But for two sisters, it wasn't about the time it took to finish the race. It was about honouring the memory and wishes of their sister who passed away earlier this year, Paula Menendez.

Menendez was killed along with Julie Crocker of Markham. Crocker's estranged husband is charged with the murders.

Her sisters, who flew in from Edmonton and Connecticut to take part in the race, said they decided to participate after finding their sister's New Year's resolution to run the half-marathon scribbled on a piece of paper.

After they completed the race, the women told CTV News they felt great about the experience, especially because they felt their sister with them the whole time, especially at the finish line.

"Spiritually, it's great for both of us," Claudia Johnston told CTV News the day before the race. "Every time we go for a run, she's right there beside us."

"It makes me closer to her," added her other sister Carolina Stubbs.

More than 10,000 people laced up their sneakers to run in the 13th annual marathon. The crowds of people forced police to shut down roads from the north end of the city to the downtown core.

It started behind Mel Lastman Square on Beecroft Road and ended at Queen's Park.

Drivers were forced to find alternate routes or take public transportation to get around the city Sunday.