Runners Eager For Start Of TCS New York City Marathon

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Tens of thousands of runners from across the world were set to take part in the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday.

As CBS2's Ilana Gold reported, runners were all ready a day ahead of time.

Some runners form Chile were spending time at the finish line in Central Park the day before they hit the pavement, and getting mentally prepared for their 26.2-mile journey through the city.

"We're recognizing the last 5 kilometers so we can see how it feels to be here testing the clothes we'll use," one runner said.

Runners from across the world stopped by the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and headed right to marathon registration where they picked up their racing numbers.

"(I've) been training hard in the cold weather as winter set in," said runner James O'Donnell.

These racers will take off from the starting line in four different waves, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

6:29 whats the anticipation like the day before "It's special," Philp Dieffenbacher said of the anticipation the day before. "You're just very excited, like something special is happening."

Many were just hoping their bodies would withstand the challenge.

"I got an injury I'm trying to nurse," said runner Tarcisio Cruz. "Hopefully, it will behave by tomorrow."

Another challenge was maneuvering around the race. There will be rolling street closures from midnight Saturday night until 7 p.m. Sunday.

The marathon starts on Staten Island, and goes across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge to Brooklyn. It continues north to Queens, and then over the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge to Manhattan.

The race then goes up First Avenue to the Bronx, and then back into Manhattan down Fifth Avenue, and finally to a finish line at Central Park on the West Side.

Organizers said it will be especially congested during the race on the East Side of Manhattan around Central Park, and it is best to avoid those areas if you don't want to get caught up in the crowds.