Zoom NYC sent reporters to every corner of the course to find some of the stories behind the race. View our interactive map for Zoom NYC reports.

The New York City Marathon attracts athletes, their supporters and spectators from all over the world. Encompassing all five boroughs, the 26-mile marathon is a symphony of inspiration and diversity. Zoom NYC sent reporters to every corner of the course to find some of the stories behind the race.

At the 10-minute countdown on race day, marathoner Tim Muckell is not at the starting line. Instead Waples sits at the bar-counter of a Bay Ridge café, clad in red, white and blue American flag short-shorts and a 2008 ING New York City souvenir shirt — ready to jump into the race. Kelly Koopmans reports.

In lower than 50-degree weather, tens of thousands of runners came to the starting line in Staten Island early this morning. To keep their muscles warm, they dressed in disposable layers. VIDEO: Carmen Perez and Leslie Picker report from the first mile of the marathon.

Hundreds of volunteers braced themselves, grabbing as many cups as they could carry with cries of “Here they come,” as the first wave of runners arrived at mile 7 of the New York City Marathon. Yepoka Yeebo reports from Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. Also view a slideshow of this event.

The 12-mile mark of Greenpoint and the 13.1 mile mark of Williamsburg which leads runners over the Pulaski bridge into Queens, officially signifies the halfway point in the race. For marathoners, every bit of support and encouragement from spectators helps. Ann Chang reports.

The sound of music filled a cold and windy Courthouse Square Sunday afternoon as members of the William C. Bryant High School Concert Band encouraged an extra pep in marathon runners’ steps as they raced along the race’s fourteenth mile in Long Island City. Brandon Walker reports.

The New York City Parks & Recreation Department hosted a lock-in for 20 sleepy-looking kids who pitched tents, ate tacos, and made signs for the race – and then woke at 6:45 a.m. for the Marathon. Aaron Lee reports.

The Queensboro Bridge is the first point of entry into Manhattan for New York City Marathon runners. Reporters Rory Kress and Tammy Mutasa report from the longest uphill stretch of the race.

Few things test the human body quite like the New York Marathon. For most of the athletes their day consists of 26.2 miles of pain, suffering and willpower. Those who come to watch and support the runners may not be put through their physical paces, but their nervous systems are strained and fingernails chewed as they wait for a glimpse of their loved one. James de Mellow reports.