Michael Booth of Winnipeg crosses the finish line Sunday to win his fourth Manitoba Marathon. (CBC)

The rumble of 27,372 feet shook Winnipeg streets early Sunday as a flock of runners took part in the 31st annual Manitoba Marathon, but it was the two belonging to Michael Booth that crossed the finish line first.

Winnipeg's Booth, 30, was the unofficial winner of the race, finishing just after 9:30 a.m. CT with a time of two hours, 32 minutes.

It was Booth's fourth Manitoba Marathon win.

Winnipeg men rounded out the top five finishers in the race, with Jean-Paul Degagne, 32, Adam Aleshka, 30, Clyde Vancaeyzeele, 53, and Dale Kirk, 40, placing second through fifth, respectively.

North Dakota's Cindy Sondag, 34, was the first woman across the line with a time of just over two hours, 59 minutes.

The 42-kilometre Father's Day tradition draws thousands of participants and volunteers each year.

But not everyone runs to win.

James Melendez says he and his two sisters and brother chose to run to get into better shape. They dedicated their participation to their father.

Melendez says the conditions couldn't have been better.

"Actually, it was really enjoyable," Melendez said. "It was perfect.

"The spectators are awesome and the people in the stands with water are great. It was awesome. It was a great experience."

Other runners said the first half of the course was shady and cool but plagued with bugs, while the second half proved a challenge because of the climbing temperature and hot sun.

It was a beautiful morning, with partly cloudy conditions, a light breeze and a temperature of 17 C at 7 a.m., when the race started at the University of Manitoba in south Winnipeg.