New York prepares for 60,000 runners and two million fans at Sunday's marathon

On Sunday, New York City will host the 50th running of the TCS New York City Marathon, with nearly 60,000 people expected to line up at the start and over two million spectators watching from the streets, according to Euronews.

The race is one of the world's most iconic and is the second largest marathon ever held, with a record-breaking 59,226 finishers last year—a record organisers expect to be broken this year.

A record number of people applied this year, with over 240,000 applications from 160 countries, more than ever before. Organisers have also set a fundraising goal of $100 million.

Reigning champions Hellen Obiri of Kenya, Benson Kipruto of Kenya and Marcel Hug of Switzerland will return to defend their titles, Euronews reported.

Final preparations and security

Crews are painting the iconic blue line along the 26.2-mile course and setting up the finish line in Central Park, Eyewitness News reported. The race begins at 8 a.m. on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, with waves of runners setting off throughout the morning.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the NYPD has been preparing for months alongside New York Road Runners and other agencies. She said there are currently no known specific or credible threats, but New Yorkers should expect a heightened police presence along the route.

Thousands of NYPD officers will be posted along the entire route from Staten Island to the Bronx to Central Park, with specialised units including Emergency Service, Mounted, Canine, Harbor, Aviation and the Bomb Squad deployed. Helicopters and drones will monitor the race in real time. Hundreds of blocker vehicles and more than 10,000 metal barricades will be positioned along the route to protect runners and spectators.

Spectators entering designated viewing areas in Central Park should be aware that bags are subject to inspection. Prohibited items include coolers, oversized bags, chairs, umbrellas and weapons. The upper level of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will close at 11 p.m. Saturday, followed by the lower level at 7 a.m. Sunday.