ATHLETES from across the Commonwealth praised the crowds that gathered to cheer them on throughout the Games, writes Jenni Carroll

And the support wasn't just limited to the City of Manchester Stadium as crowds lined the streets in Trafford to watch the Commonwealth's elite long distance runners tackle the 26.2 miles of the marathon.

Winner of the women's marathon race, Australian Kerryn McCann, said she felt good throughout the race, but made a special mention of the crowds that turned out to watch the race.

The marathon route took the athletes past Manchester United football stadium, Trafford Town Hall and Old Trafford Cricket Club and crowds lined the route to watch as the battle for the Commonwealth title was decided.

Kenyan favourite in the women's marathon, Esther Wanjiru, faded at the 25 kilometre mark before being overtaken at Old Trafford football ground by second placed Australian Krishna Stanton.