The 2013 New York City Marathon, an event that drew nearly 46,000 runners from all over the world to The Big Apple, took place today after a one-year absence. Fans lined the marathon’s 26.2-mile course, which wound through all five of New York City’s boroughs starting in Staten Island and culminating in Central Park.

The New York City Marathon draws roughly 2 million spectators to the streets of New York every year. More than 300 million tune in to it remotely. The race was canceled last year in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

Of course, memories of the tragic events of the Boston Marathon in April still loomed large in many peoples’ minds. Organizers of the New York City Marathon, one of the largest races in the world, spent nearly $1 million on security -- more than double the normal amount, according to the New York Daily News.

Authorities not only beefed up the number of law enforcement on the ground at the NYC marathon. They also put scuba divers in the water to scan bridges and helicopters in the air for a bird’s-eye view of the race. There were also bomb-sniffing dogs roaming the course and more than 1,500 cameras positioned along the route, according to CNN.

But the race went off with out a glitch, with the runners’ victories marked only by celebration. For the women, Priscah Jeptoo of Kenya took home the gold, finishing the race in just over 2 hours and 25 minutes. In April, Jeptoo also won the London Marathon.

Buzunesh Deba, a crowd favorite because she lives and trains in New York, came in second. The 26-year-old who was born in Ethiopia led the women’s race for most of the marathon, until around mile 24, when Jeptoo made her pass.

For the men, 32-year-old Geoffrey Mutai, also from Kenya, claimed the first place title. Mutai is the fastest marathon runner in the world, having set the world record in Boston two years ago with a time of 2:03:02.

Click through the slideshow above to see nine moments from the New York City Marathon that are ones for the history books.

RELATED STORIES
nyc-marathon-pic1
Being reminded of the frustrating gridlock in Washington is one to get inspired. Reuters
nyc-marathon-photo2
Geoffrey Mutai, who ultimately won the men’s marathon division, and Stanley Biwott, both from Kenya, make their way through the borough of Manhattan. Reuters
nyc-marathon-pic3
Even in the wake of great adversity, 48,000 runners came out to run the New York City Marathon. Reuters
nyc-marathon-photo6
Being serenaded. Reuters
nyc-marathon-photo7
Having a medal placed around your neck is not just for superheroes. Reuters
nyc-marathon-pic8
The three winners of the women’s marathon: Priscah Jeptoo (center), Buzunesh Deba (left), and Jeļena Prokopčuka (right). Reuters
nyc-marathon-pic9
Finishing the race, because crossing the finish line just feels so good. Pictured, Lusapho April of South Africa celebrates after finishing third in the men's division of the New York City Marathon. Reuters
Kenya