TCS New York City Marathon finish line painted

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The TCS New York City Marathon festivities have official started with the ceremonial finish line painting.

Four days from now, 50,000 runners will finish the 26.2 mile course in Central Park.

This year's race is promising to be bigger and better than ever.

"There are even more spectators on the street now than ever before," said Michael Capiraso, New York Road Runners Club.

Security is top priority for the millions of spectators along the five borough route.

That includes four bridges and starting in Staten Island with a ferry ride for runners to the starting line.

"We are ready for Sunday, we're going to have one of the best policed events in the nation," Police Commissioner James O'Neill said.

The NYPD is deploying all its forces and will have thousands of officers, some you see and some you don't.

"There are scores of officers you will not be able to see, trained to detect suspicious activity," said Chief Carlos Gomez, NYPD.

The NYPD will have heavy weapons teams and counter terrorism units, radiation detectors and eyes in the sky.

No backpacks or large bags or coolers are allowed at the event.

This is expected to be the biggest spectator event the marathon has ever had with 2.5 million people lining the route.

The NYPD is asking the public to be their eyes and ears, if you see something says something.