BOSTON -- For elite runners, the Boston Marathon is a chance to jockey for position and cut down course times, but thousands of other people who tackle the 26.2-mile course each year count on the crowds to help them reach the finish line.

“I grew up watching the Boston Marathon and to be able to finally run it for the Perkins School for the Blind was really special,” said Mary McAdams from Dedham.

McAdams was the team leader of 15 runners who raised over $100,000 for their organization. She attributes much of her strength to finish to her fundraising cause, fans cheering and bands playing music on the route.

Janet Cherng from Cambridge ran the marathon this year as a bandit and kept in contact with her friends waiting for her at the finish line to keep motivated. Throughout the race while running she would text message on her phone about her progress. Her friends would then text her back encouragement.

“People would laugh and cheer as I ran by while texting on my phone,” said Cherng. “I must have looked ridiculous.”

Cherng had just started running seriously in November to prepare for the race and was glad her friends were there to support her at the finish line and throughout the race.

Some runners even traveled across the world to experience what it was like to be part of the Boston Marathon. Dong-Chang Jeong from Seoul, Korea brought 100 marathoners from running clubs across South Korea to Boston for their annual trip to the race.

“Boston is one of the most favorite races in our country,” said Jeong. “There are so many fans and people.”

While he couldn’t run in the race this year, he loves the crowd’s support and has run the marathon five times previously.

“There’s something about the Boston Marathon,” said Alex Shih from Boston, who came to support his friend running the race. “From the elite runners competing to Boston’s enthusiastic crowds, it’s all really motivating and encouraging.”

Shih hopes to qualify himself next year to run in the marathon.

Drenched in sweat and wrapped in a Mylar blanket, Arthur Driscoll from Brighton stood at the finish line with his mom and dad. Driscoll was a first-time marathoner, but second-generation Boston Marathoner.

“I’d always wanted to run in the marathon,” said Driscoll. “Wellesley was the loudest with all the girls screaming and yelling, ‘kiss me.’”

“We’re really proud of him and came out to support him,” said Will Driscoll, his father. “He just wanted to beat my old time!”

Will Driscoll ran the Boston Marathon in 1990 and came out to see his son experience what he had 19 years ago.

“It brings back nostalgia,” said Will Driscoll.