This year marks the 113th annual Boston Marathon, an event that has challenged some of the greatest runners in the world and celebrated the achievements of the human spirit.

For world-class runners, people fighting for a cause, and eager spectators, the Boston Marathon has for many years been a place for hope and camaraderie to flourish.

This year runners like Olympians Kara Goucher and Ryan Hall will chase after dreams of bringing a first-place finish to an American man or woman since 1985.

“I hope that I can contribute to bringing American marathoning back to the forefront,” said Hall, who was the fastest American marathoner for the last two years. “There is no better place to do that than Boston. What is done in Boston lives on for all time.”

“The race has a history like no other and its legacy spans generations,” said Goucher. “Winning in Boston is my next big challenge, and I could not have picked a bigger stage.”

Spectators should also look forward to catching a glimpse of this year’s more unique runners.

People like “Barefoot Rick” Roeber will be inspiring crowds with his dedication to bringing awareness and funding to those in need. Roeber, who runs marathons barefoot, will be returning to the city after a four-year absence to run his fifth Boston Marathon. His goal this year is to raise $10,000 for the Free Wheelchair Mission.

“My barefoot running brought me some publicity and I wanted to do something good with that,” said Roeber. “I’m running in Boston to bring awareness to the disabled around the world.”

Boston favorite Team Hoyt, a father who runs and pushes his quadriplegic son, will also mark its 1,000th marathon run together at this year’s event. The team's successes were honored on Boston Marathon banners around the city dedicated to them earlier this year.

The 113th Boston Marathon will include event changes as well. For the first time names of the top marathoners will be printed on their bibs so that spectators can keep track of runner standings and cheer them on by name.

"Names on bibs will be a great addition to this year's race, helping with our effort to better identify the international field of athletes," said Guy Morse, executive director or the Boston Athletic Association.

The BAA is also hosting a new 5-kilometer run and Invitational Mile on Sunday morning before the marathon. The Invitational Mile will be a series of four 1-mile races welcoming professional runners as well as scholastic boys and girls.

“It’s a great opportunity to give the young athletes from our host cities and towns the chance to compete on the home stretch of the Boston Marathon course,” said Guy Morse, executive director of the BAA. “Add to that the professional miles and the BAA 5K, and we expect a fun and successful day.”

For this year’s Boston Marathon there are 26,268 registered runners, about 1,000 more than last year.

On Sunday, April 19, the 5K will begin at 8 a.m. in Copley Square, immediately followed by the Invitational Mile.

On Monday, April 20, The Boston Marathon will begin with the Push Rim Wheelchairs at 9:22 a.m., followed by the elite women at 9:32 a.m., elite men and wave 1 at 10 a.m. and wave 2 at 10:30 a.m.