The MVP Healthcare Rochester Marathon is on Sunday, but there are some big changes planned compared to recent years.
The main difference is the course. Instead of a course that went through some of the Eastern towns and included about a dozen miles along the Erie Canal, the new course is focused on Rochester and Irondequoit.
Ellen Brenner-Boutillier is with Yellow Jacket Racing which bought the MVP Health Care Marathon last year.
She says this course should provide a lot more variety for the runners.
“The course is so different, with four bridges, one boardwalk, constant scenery, always something changing, neighborhoods out there galore, we are just so thrilled to be able to bring this type of course to Rochester.”
More than 3,200 runners are registered for Sunday's race. Many of those, around 2,200, are running the half marathon.
Brenner-Boutillier says the new route should also bring out a lot of spectators.
“Different neighborhoods along the course such as Maplewood, Charlotte , various Irondequoit neighborhoods, they are actually creating cheer sections along the course and they’re hosting water stops. They are so thrilled and excited for people to see where they live.”
Both the full and half-marathons start at Maplewood Park and end near Frontier Field.
Traffic will be impacted in some areas. Here’s the advisory from City Hall:
The race will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Maplewood Drive in Maplewood Park and end at approximately 2:30 p.m. at Morrie Silver Way, outside of Frontier Field. Local and residential traffic will be delayed, but will allow for transportation to churches, businesses and homes.
Morrie Silver Way will close from Oak Street to State Street Saturday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. and will remain closed until 3 p.m. on Sunday, once the Marathon concludes.
The following streets will be temporarily closed until the final runner passes each checkpoint:
* 6 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Maplewood Drive from Lake Avenue to Gorsline Street o Maplewood Avenue from Maplewood Drive to dead end at Rose Gardens o Bridgeview Drive from Route 104 to Keehl Street o Maplewood Drive from Keehl Street to Lake Avenue
* 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Petten Street from Lake Avenue to the River
* 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Driving Park Bridge
* 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Smith Street Bridge
- Cataract Street from St Paul to the dead end
* 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
- Platt Street from State Street to Mill Street o Plymouth Avenue from Allen to Brown Street
