BALTIMORE —

For some runners, the starting line of their race at the Baltimore Running Festival is also their grand finale.

They've put in the blood, sweat and tears in more ways than one to make it to the race.

Every person starts running for a different reason — some want to get fit or find community, others want to step out of their own lives for a little bit.

"The more you run, the more you kind of zone out. That allows you to forget about the things that have been going on throughout your day or your week or whatever," said Erick McGowan, a runner. "Then, of course, the stress is relieved when you're running."

"For me, the mental health and physical activity goes hand in hand, but it's not a replacement. I still advocate going to therapy," said Robert Jackson, another runner.

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