NEW YORK - Just days before runners fill the streets for the annual TCS New York City Marathon, final preparations are underway.

Marathon and city officials on Wednesday painted the ceremonial blue line that traces the 26.2 mile course. 

More than 50,000 people are expected to participate in the run that starts on Staten Island and makes it way through all the boroughs. 

This year marks the final year Peter Ciaccia will direct. 

He's been part of the New York City Road Runners for more than 17 years. 

"What we deliver is an experience beyond belief here, we show of the city every first Sunday November, and we show the world what it means to comes to NY. We inclusive, we welcome everybody here with open arms," Ciaccia said.

The NYPD says it is prepared to keep runners and spectators safe with officers stationed along the route. 

The first wave of the race kicks off just before ten Sunday morning.