The President of the New York Road Runners, Mary Wittenberg, welcomed the runners, volunteers, and spectators.
The Parade of Nations followed with notable runners, charities, and teams from countries all over the world waving flags and representing their nations.
Many of the parade participants dressed in traditional attire from their home country.
The ceremony closed with a dazzling fireworks display.
The ING New York City Marathon is coming to WABC-TV and ESPN November 3rd!
WABC-TV is the home of the ING New York City Marathon and your source for the best coverage!
Coverage continued Saturday, November 2nd, with "Countdown to the Starting Line." Eyewitness News anchors Liz Cho and David Novarro hosted this thirty minute special, live from the Marathon Eve Experience tent. You can learn more about the runners, their stories and what makes the ING New York city Marathon a one-of-kind event.
Channel 7 starts race day with "Eyewitness News: Marathon Sunday" at 7 a.m. Eyewitness News sports anchors Rob Powers and Laura Behnke broadcast from Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island, as tens of thousands of runners gather. Race day coverage of the 2013 ING New York City Marathon starts at 9:00 a.m when ESPN's Hannah Storm and John Anderson join members of the Eyewitness News team. Wrap up Marathon Sunday with an ING New York City Marathon highlight show from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by Eyewitness News at 6:00 p.m.
All of WABC-TV's programming and race coverage is available on Channel 7, on 7online and via the WatchABC app.
