More than 3600 runners hit the pavement and became Mountain Goat's Sunday. YNN's Erin Clarke tells us about difficult race that has drawn national attention to Syracuse.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Runners hoofed it through Syracuse Sunday for the first big run of season.

"We just decided this would be a test of our endurance. It's a pretty difficult course," said Rhonda Shute.

The runners are starting off their season really testing their strength. The Mountain Goat course features some of the steepest hills in Syracuse.

"It starts downtown, goes up the Woodlawn reservoir which is a rise about 600 feet and back downtown, into the valley, then back up to the university section, Thornden Park and then back downtown again," said Race Director, Dave Mullen.

The 10-mile course has gained widespread attention, bringing runners from near and far to Syracuse and steadily increasing participation each year.

"It's great, coming out to a local race and I don't have to travel too far. That's good for me and I think it's really nice that this community is a very supportive running community," said Maegan Krifchin.

This is the second year Krifchin won the female race. For many others this was their first time running the course or running at all. But whether you took part in the 3k or the double digit trek around the city...everyone earned the title mountain goat.

"It shows that we've got willingness to deal with difficulty and accept the challenge," said Mullen.

The overall winner of the 10-mile Mountain Goat run was Tesia Kiplagat.