Thousands of women are catching their breath after running in the 14th annual Shape Women's Half-marathon.

The 13-mile race started at 8 a.m. Sunday in Central Park, beginning at West Drive and 63rd street and looping through the park to a finish line near the Bethesda Fountain. The event raises money to fight poverty and help women and girls around the world.

It's also honoring 13 women of a mentorship program that connects girls with female business leaders.

"They're really there to answer any questions and to give them inspiration and show what can happen if you stay in school and keep working hard," said Nancy Weber with Shape Magazine.

"With life you always have to have small goals and keep a pace so I guess it helps with school where you can't just do everything at once and have to give yourself some time to do things," said runner Sandra Cantillo.

The magazine sponsored the race with New York Road Runners.