Alicia Keys and Ethan Hawke complete New York City Marathon

Singer Alicia Keys and actor Ethan Hawke were among the runners celebrating on Sunday (01Nov15) after completing their first New York City Marathon.

More than 50,000 people braved the chilly temperatures to pound the pavements of the Big Apple's five boroughs, with athlete Stanley Biwott reaching the finish line in two hours, 10 minutes, and 34 seconds to come first in the men's race, while fellow Kenyan Mary Keitany triumphed in the women's category, achieving the feat in two hours, 24 minutes, and 25 seconds.

Retired tennis star James Blake led the pack of celebrity competitors, finishing the 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometre) race in three hours, 51 minutes, while former 30 Rock actress Katrina Bowden recorded a time of four hours, 19 minutes, just ahead of Hawke at four hours and 25 minutes.

"I think I'm winning the over 40 movie star section of the race, or at least I'm in the top 20," the Boyhood star quipped to reporters during the race. "It's awesome, I love this city."

Former footballer Tiki Barber ran the distance in four hours and 50 minutes, while Empire State of Mind star Keys crossed the finish line in just under five hours and 51 minutes.

The R&B star's husband, producer Swizz Beatz, was waiting at the end of the run in Central Park to cheer on his wife, who was raising money for her HIV and AIDS support charity Keep A Child Alive, and he later took to Instagram.com to share his pride.

"She did it, congrats Queen," he wrote, alongside a photo of Keys and her medal. "your (sic) beyond amazing... We're ultra proud of you my Love".

Meanwhile, Twilight star Peter Facinelli took to social media to congratulate his sister for completing the 45th annual New York City Marathon, and Vanessa Williams and Antonio Banderas both shared photos of themselves cheering on the runners from afar.