The 97th annual Yonkers Marathon kicked off Sunday morning with its largest turnout yet.

Mayor Mike Spano said a record 1,800 people participated this year in the full and half marathons and 5K.

Many runners marked major milestones as they finished this qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.

“It’s known as probably the toughest marathon you’ll come across because of all of our hills, its a warrior's marathon, it's a marathoner’s marathon,” Mayor Spano said.

The finish line beamed with smiles and stories of determination and accomplishments for marathoners and first-timers.