Celebrities Lace ‘Em Up For NYC Marathon

On your marks… get set… go!

The New York City Marathon began on Sunday morning with a handful of recognizable faces amongst the eager runners.

The “Today Show’s” Al Roker, along with cancer “Survivor” Ethan Zohn, Robin Quivers (Howard Stern’s right-hand woman), Anthony Edwards, former “Bachelorette” winner Ryan Sutter and Chilean miner Edison Pena all took part in the 26.2-mile run through the city.

Pena earned the nickname “The Runner” during last month’s mining ordeal in Chile, as he would run up to six miles a day though the underground tunnels of the mines.

Though suffering from a knee injury, the 34-year-old began the race at 9:40 AM, and crossed the Central Park finish line at 3:30 PM.

The miner, who reportedly listened to the music of Elvis Presley during the 69 days he was trapped underground (along with 32 other miners), plans to make the most of his stateside visit by completing the marathon and enjoying a visit to the home of “The King” himself – funded by Priscilla Presley.

“We paid for [Pena’s] wife and, of course, himself to come to Graceland,” Priscilla told Access Hollywood Live’s Kit Hoover in an interview on Friday. “He’s so endearing.”

Elvis’s former wife told Kit that she found the story of the miners’ rescue “inspiring.”

“I think we were all glued to our television sets every single day or reading the paper to find out the welfare of the miners,” Priscilla told Kit. “It was incredible.”

Pena also paid a visit to David Letterman on Thursday, where he performed his rendition of “Suspicious Minds” for “The Late Show” audience, with the help of the show’s band.

“[Pena’s singing] was quite good,” Priscilla said. “He did great! It’s inspiring.”