Bathed in glorious sunshine, a field of around 400 runners took off at 9am in downtown Schroon Lake for the 17th Annual ADK Marathon.

The runners -- dressed in an array of dazzling neon colors – were cheered on by hundreds of enthusiastic spectators who lined Main Street.

With cooler temperatures, perfect for a marathon, organizers expect some records may be broken today.

Before the race, there was a party atmosphere along Main Street.  Runners of all shapes and sizes were stretching in a multitude of poses, adjusting their iPods, while their friends and families looked on.

This year’s race featured four runners who have participated in all 17 marathons: Joseph and Mary Healt of Forestport, NY, Laura Scarpinato of Milton, Vermont and Dan Kress of Churchville, NY.

Race Organizer Joel Friedman welcomed te runners, from as far away as New Zealand, Broome, from Western Australia Down Under, (Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oy!, Oy! Oy!), Brazil, Costa Rica, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Hong Kong and Finland.

The starting pistol was fired by Patty Christian from Witherbee's Carriage House, one of the event's major sponsors. 

The first of the runners are expected to cross the finish line between 11:30 am and 12 pm.