LIVERPOOL, N.Y. -- Hundreds of runners shrugged off the cold to compete in a half-marathon. They competed in the Lake Effect Half-Marathon at Onondaga Lake Park Sunday morning.

This is just the second year for the race, but it sold out both times. Organizers say it's a great opportunity for runners to train before race season really kicks into high gear.

"We're all from Syracuse. We train in this weather. Many of us are running and training for a full marathon in the spring; so, anything between the middle part of April to the end of May. And this is a really great fitness check for those athletes," said Organizer Todd Robertson.

The race field was capped at 500 runners this year, but organizers hope to expand in the future.