Photo by Skip Lawrence Officer Mike Auge of the Frederick Police Department helps keep the runners safe on Motter Avenue during the marathon.

Something usually goes wrong behind the scenes, Larry Herman, assistant race director, said. But he couldn't think of any malfunctions this year -- besides being unable to use the tall, blue finish line markers because strong winds kept knocking them over.

Herman said organizing the race can seem like running it. As the number of runners continues to increase every year, organizers have become better prepared, he said.

About 3,400 runners registered this year for the marathon, half marathon, 5-K and relay -- almost 500 more than last year.

"I think the biggest problem was the wind, but we couldn't control that," Herman said. "When weather is your biggest problem, you know you're having a good day."

Frederick Police Chief Kim C. Dine said nothing went terribly wrong. For the most part, the race went well.

Dine said he heard one person needed assistance with a minor leg injury but, luckily, everyone was well prepared. Emergency response teams were able to quickly care for the runner.

"It takes a lot of coordinating," Dine said.

Lt. Shawn Martyak said the race started on time even though several shuttle buses ran behind schedule, causing some runners to arrive late.

Overall, the event was successful, he said. No major dilemmas got in the way of running the race.

"There were some (traffic) delays," Martyak said, but those were anticipated.

Some drivers seemed upset because they had to move slowly through parts of town, he said, but nobody showed signs of road rage. All roads were back open by 1:30 p.m.

When problems arise during a race, Herman said, people call him on his cell phone constantly. He knew Sunday's event went well because his phone only rang when other race organizers wanted to tell him how fast a runner was going.

"Everyone had all the supplies they need," he said. "There weren't any complaints."