Intro:

Elite international runners and fans spoke on Friday about Sunday's New York City Marathon.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: Tom Gay, NYC Expo worker

"I didn't know that New City could have something like this. I've seen people from France, Germany, Brazil - pretty much people come here from all over the world to run this one marathon."

VOX POP: Marathon fan

"It's fantastic, the energy of the race is amazing and it starts with the expo - and it just builds from there. We're really looking forward to Sunday."

SOUNDBITE: Buzunesh Deba, a Bronx resident on prospect of winning the NYC Marathon

"It means a lot to me. It's my city and I'm happy to be a New Yorker."

SOUNDBITE: Geoffrey Mutai, 2013 New York City Marathon champion

"I can't say that I would go for a New York record here. Maybe a course record, but a world record is not easy in New York. So with the course itself and the weather, it's not easy. So for me, I'm praying to God that I will defend my title that time."

SOUNDBITE: Wilson Kipsang, competitor

"It's a nice challenge - to run on a nice course here. It's a bit cold, no pacemakers. I think it's really good because part of my dream has been to run in all of the major races. To take the challenge and see what I can really do because I used to tour in some places but you're not in a position to measure yourself. So I think this is a good test for me. But what time can I run in? In such conditions and such a difficult course?"