There are few times in his career when noteworthy Chicago area Congressman Rahm Emanuel isn't at the front of the pack. He's known for his political standing in the Democratic Party and to younger generations as the brother of the inspiration for the character Ari from hit television show "Entourage."

But in the Ravenswood 5K, where he has been making competitive appearances for years, Emanuel was just another neighborhood resident out to enjoy the weather and cheer on the runners, including his wife and son.

"I'm here because my son and my wife are running," he said. "And we do it every year, standing in our driveway just working on the applause."

The appearance of Emanuel was just one thing that Fleet Feet Chicago owner Dave Zimmer said helped the race go from 80 runners when the race began 11 years ago to the more than 2,400 runners on Sunday-- one of the largest community races in Chicago. The April 29 Ravenswood Run benefited several local charities and brought out local Olympic Trials marathon qualifiers.

"Having Rahm Emanuel out here...I think it speaks volumes about what Chicago is doing to fight obesity, for staying focused on health," Zimmer said.

Emanuel's star power was joined by Olympic Trials marathon qualifiers Greg Costello, Chris Wehrman and Donnie Franzen. Costello, Franzen, and training partner Robbie Wade finished in what they said was right on time with their training regimen.

Costello crossed the finish line first with a time of 15 minutes flat, followed by training buddies and competition Wade and Franzen, who finished in 15:04 and 15:35, respectively.

Franzen said the flat course was a great way to run through the hometown, especially with the recognition they've been receiving in the circuit. He's currently preparing for a 25K run in Grand Rapids, Mich. At Ravenswood, Franzen not only met up with some local fans, but also someone he went to grade school with who didn't know about his Olympic qualifications.

"He just said, hey I know you, I saw you blow by me," Franzen said, laughing.

Suzanne Ryan from West Chicago won the women's competition in 17:47.

Runners like Chris Lange from Eau Claire, Wisc., said combined with the flat course and sunny day, the star power in the race made it that much better.

"It's really cool just to know that there's people coming to the race other than just from the area," he said.

For some runners like Chicago resident Maria Roman, the race was an attempt to get her family into shape. She said she dragged her three children and husband out of bed to participate and get active together. Her son Eddie Bustamante, 14, ended up leaving the family's pack and finished in 11th in his age group.

"I just said, let's go, and we went," she said. "It was great."

Click here for race results.

Click here for race results.