Celebrations for the Queen 'run' on

New Yorkers hail to the Queen.

Around 600 Brits, ex-pats and anglophiles took part in the Great British Run in Central Park to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Actress Kim Cattrall, who was born in Liverpool, helped things get started.

SOUNDBITE: Kim Cattrall, actress, saying (English):

"I am thrilled. I can't be in London for the Diamond Jubilee, so this is the next best thing. And I feel that I am representing a lot of Brits and expats and also people who are from the Commonwealth you know of Britain today to celebrate the Queen and her 60 years of reign."

Among the runners was Rupert Dean who is visiting from London.

SOUNDBITE: Rupert Dean, runner, saying (English):

"It's a fantastic opportunity. It's a very big day for Her Majesty - 60 years of unbeatable service for the country. I am very proud as a Briton to be visiting New York, and be able to celebrate that in our own way."

Alan Melady is a British expat working for British Airways.

SOUNDBITE: Alan Melady, runner, saying (English):

"Is a good excuse for everybody to have a bit of fun and get together, and there'll be music. There'll be fireworks, and there'll be street parties. I think on the whole people enjoy it. People like it."

Celebrations for the 86-year-old monarch include a pop concert at Buckingham Palace, a grand procession through the streets of London and a 1,000-vessel fleet along the River Thames.

Alicia Powell, Reuters.