More than 60,000 runners from around the world took on the New York City Marathon Sunday, marking the 50th anniversary of the five-borough race with a 26.2-mile journey that ended in Manhattan amid smiles, hugs and tears.

Andreas Almgren of Sweden and Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya were the first man and woman to cross the finish line. Thousands more followed, each carrying a personal story through the city’s streets.

The race began in Staten Island at the crack of dawn, taking runners through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and The Bronx before finishing in Central Park.

Millions of spectators lined the route with signs and cheers. Mayor Zorhan Mamdani (D-New York City) handed out water as runners made their way through the citywide celebration.

For Julia Timpf, the decision to run was tied to her sister’s health.

“My sister, she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, just 15 hours before giving birth to her first child. So it was a very painful tumultuous time and I kind of just felt that I wanted to find a way to give back,” Timpf said.

Audriana Odedina described her motivation as a runner and mother.

“Prove to myself that I can do this, I can still be myself and be a mom,” she said.

At the finish line, a runner named Sal described the mix of exhaustion and joy. “I’m in so much pain, but I’m so happy at the same time.”

Kate, a runner from Perth, Australia, called it “The most epic thing I’ve ever done. It was absolutely way beyond everything I expected.”

Among those completing the course was NBC New York Storm Team 4 meteorologist Matt Brickman, who described the connections he felt along the route.

“To be able to run every borough and have memories in The Bronx, in Brooklyn, and Queens is so special and just to have friends and neighbors who don’t know you and are cheering for you is an amazing feeling. It’s the best day in the city,” he said.

The celebration continued as more runners approached the end. Participants had until 10 PM Sunday to cross the finish line.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC New York. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC New York journalist edited the article for publication.