This weekend, 47,000 people will sprint, jog, walk, run, roll and hop their way to the finish line for the city’s biggest marathon.

Where: The ING New York City Marathon is not only the city’s but one of the world’s biggest and most important race. Its 26.2 mile course, closed to vehicular traffic, covers all five boroughs, crisscrosses the East River and winds its way through some of the city’s best views of neighborhoods and nature in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island on its way to the finish line in Central Park. Dozens of cheering stations along the way will feature bands and other fun ways to keep friends, family and fans of runners entertained.

Why: In addition to the excitement of competition and the fun of the run, the event will be raising funds for 200 official charities. Last year the run raised a record of over $30 million. Runners range from those who are in it for fun and fitness or a way to spend time with friends to the nearly-obsessed (NYTimes). Some runners wear creative costumes and hats (buzzfeed) to get themselves and spectators into the spirit of the race and to help raise money for their favorite charities.

Who: Celebrities like models Christy Turlington and Veronica Webb, actor Paul Sparks from HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and more will be joining the race this year. But the real celebrities are the runners themselves. Elite athletes from all over the world compete, including wheelchair and handcycle athletes. Results of past races can be found here, and this year’s top competitors are listed here. 45,103 entrants crossed the finish line last year. An estimated 2 million spectators line the streets. For more background on the origins of the race, the documentary, Run for Your Life, airing Saturday and Sunday on THIRTEEN tells the story of Fred Lebow, the man who made the race the event it is today.

How: There’s an official app for tracking your favorite runners (track up to ten simultaneously) and allows runners to let friends and family know exactly where they are; it also allows you to watch coverage of men’s and women’s pro races and more.