As the sun rose on Sunday, thousands of runners packed into Fort Wadsworth, a 226-acre park on the eastern shore of Staten Island, where the New York City Marathon was set to kick off.

Wrapped in fluffy bathrobes, blankets, and gold and silver foil, runners were listening to music, loading up on carbs (there were plenty of complimentary bagels) and playing with therapy dogs. Others, however — despite the early hour and the daunting task ahead of running 26.2 miles through all five boroughs — were acting like they were at a party, chatting up strangers, wishing them luck and, in many cases, complimenting them on what they chose to wear for the race.

There were costumes (Waldo of “Where’s Waldo?” fame could be spotted in the crowd); flexes (some runners wore gear from past marathons); and lots of glitter. Some people put a lot of thought into their outfits (including homemade costumes) and others threw on mismatched layers that could be discarded as the day heated up.

“I think the fashion police will arrest me right now,” said Jill Holterman, 33, an Olympian from the Netherlands, who was wearing an ugly Christmas sweater with pink leggings. “I need something that is keeping me warm and that I can throw away. My mom gave this one to me, but I have another one at home, so don’t worry.”

She did, however, acknowledge the positive power of a fun outfit at a marathon: “It’s giving everyone Christmas cheer a little early,” she said. “We’re going to enjoy today.”

Below are some of the best looks at the starting line.

Interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.