RALEIGH, N.C. – Runners from all across the country will be lacing up their running shoes to compete in the city’s first marathon since 2002.

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Jim Micheels, owner of Raleigh Running Outfitters, said Sunday’s race took about a year of planning and has already attracted thousands of runners from 35 states and 3 countries.

 

“Most big cities have a large marathon and Raleigh doesn’t. There’s an enormous running population here, so me and 12 friends said ‘Let’s put one on’,” said Micheels.

 

He adds that safety will be the main priority for runners.

 

Organizers will be closing streets along the route and ambulances will be stationed along the course, with paramedics on bikes, so that the runners can be reached quicker in case of an emergency.

 

But Micheels warns, not all roads will be closed simultaneously, “As runners go by, roads will be closed. As the last runner goes by, they’ll be reopened.”

 

The race will begin at 7 a.m. Sunday at Carter Finley Stadium and heads down to the capitol.

 

For those who would like to participate, there are still spots available in the half and full marathon, and the top runner will take home a $1,000 prize.