People in Middle Georgia woke up early on Monday to participate in a Macon Labor Day tradition.

More than 2,000 people hit the pavement for the 36th annual Macon Labor Day Road Race. The event offered a 5K, 10K and Mile Fun Run for people race in.

Runner Violet Carden, 87, hasn't missed the 5K race organized by the Macon Track Club in 23 years. Even though she is older than most participants she said she enjoys jogging and meeting new faces.

"I think there are so many friendly people and the course is good," Carden said.

The 5K started on the corner of Vineville and Pio Nono Ave and the 10K began on Forsyth Road. Runners snaked though the city of Macon running into downtown passed City Hall and crossing the finish line at Central City Park.

Event organizers said the races continue to grow each year as more people come to Macon to participate in them.

“It was mostly around Macon and we get them from all states now that come in for this," organizer Caryl Deems said.

Runners rejoiced in their finishes by hydrating and eating food. The overall winners for the races received trophies and many of them said they’re happy with the victory.

"I was excited,” overall 5K women’s winner Victoria Coppage said. “I ran a race on Saturday for my school (University of Georgia), so I was a little tired and we did a training run yesterday. I was just happy to be out here."

Men’s 5K overall winner, Allen Black said even though he’s won the event eight times in the past, he still enjoys coming in first place.

“It means a lot every year I win it," Black said.

Runners posted various times as they jogged across the finish line including Carden who said she wanted to prove to people that anybody can run at any age.

"I want to make people realize they can do what they want to do,” she said. “You know, just enjoy life.”

Officials said all money raised from the event is donated to local charities in town and they hope the event will continue to grow in years to come