SAN ANTONIO – The organizers of the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon announced on Wednesday new courses for the November 17, 2013, marathon and half marathon in the Alamo City.
According to Competitor Group, Inc. (CGI), the new course will include a new starting line and modified finish line at the Alamodome.
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"This new course embodies all that you would expect from a world class event," said Alan Culpepper, CGI vice president and two-time U.S. Olympian. "As runners ourselves we are always looking for the best way to not only highlight the city but also provide the best experience possible on race day and this course does that."
The marathon, half marathon, two-person half marathon relay, mini marathon and bike tour will start on Cherry Street at Commerce Street. The previous starting line had been on Market Street.
As it did in previous years, the course will travel north on Cherry Street, through downtown and past the Alamo. Then it will venture into the newly developed Pearl complex, which also serves as the new finish line for the mini marathon.
The other races will run past Brackenridge Park, the Japanese Tea Garden, the San Antonio Zoo and through the Trinity University campus -- all new to the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon.
Following the half and full marathon split just south of Brackenridge High School, the marathon will continue down Mission Parkway, past the historical landmarks of Mission Concepción and Mission San Jose. Also new this year will be the inclusion of the Mission Trail, where runners will follow the Riverwalk for four miles on the newly developed river trail.
Once back to the Lone Star Brewery property, the full marathon will follow the same route as the half marathon, back to the finish line on Cherry Street and Iowa Street. The Finish Festival will take place in Lot B of the Alamodome.
"All of us involved in hosting the Rock ‘n' Roll San Antonio Marathon look forward to showcasing even more areas and attractions in our beautiful city," said Russ Bookbinder, President & CEO of San Antonio Sports. "In addition to the traditional high energy block party atmosphere on race day, participants will also enjoy the new elements of the course."
The Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio bike tour will take participants along 26 miles of the full marathon course. Participants also have the opportunity to partake in a two-person half marathon relay, which allows teams to split the distance into 6-mile and 7.1-mile legs.
Live bands and enthusiastic cheerleaders will line the 26.2- and 13.1-mile stretches of the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio to create a fitness-centric, block party environment.
Race weekend begins with the two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Alamodome, where all participants will go to pick up their race numbers.
For more information or to register for the event, visit runrocknroll.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.