Officials kicked off the festivities on Wednesday in preparation for the 50th Annual TCS New York City Marathon.

Using paint rollers, they marked the road at the finish line where the the 26.2 mile long painted line along the marathon route will end.

Organizers of the race are excited to see the runners in town after the pandemic put a halt to the event last year.

What You Need To Know

  • The number of participants is limited to 33,000 because of COVID-19. In 2019, there were more than 53,000

  • NYPD: Level of security measures will remain the same as in past years despite fewer racers

  • The race celebrates major milestone with it’s 50th anniversary

“A year ago we were not here. Today, New York is back,“ said Ted Metellus, the race director for TCS New York City Marathon.

Organizers believe the restart signifies the city is recovering. They say it’s something the event has done for New Yorkers in the past.

“Twenty years ago, 54 days after the terrorist attack devastated this city, it was this marathon that pulled the city back together and unified us,” said George Hirsh, board chairman for the New York Road Runners.

Traditionally, more than 50,000 people race.

This year, because of COVID-19, organizers limited the participation to 33,000.

Despite the lower number, police say the high profile event will have the same protection as in years’ past.

“Every specialized unit of the NYPD will be involved in some layer of that security. Every tool we have, over 600 cameras along this route, monitoring events and recording them,” said the NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Information John Miller.

NYPD brass says they have the staff needed to keep runners and spectators safe, despite the vaccine mandate for city workers.

The city says only a small number of cops are not working because of the mandate. Many others remain on the clock pending the outcome of their applications for religious or medical exemptions.

Organizers encourage those not racing to participate as spectators.

The race is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary. They promise the event will be special for all New Yorkers all throughout the marathon route.