16th annual Rock 'n' Roll Marathon set to kick off on Sunday

PHOENIX (FOX 10) - Ready, set, rock!

Preps are underway for this weekend's big Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Phoenix. On Friday night, the one-mile run took place, but earlier in the day, crews were up bright and early unloading, assembling and putting down barricades.

"Just Rio Salado Parkway is closed today for the one-mile event," Judy Stowers said.

Race director Judy Stowers says the road closures are essential to keeping the athletes safe.

"We actually have a one-mile race tonight down here in Tempe and then a 5K and kids race tomorrow in Tempe," she said. "Full marathon and half marathon Sunday... it's a process."

This is the 16th annual Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. Just over 16,000 athletes from all 50 states and several countries worldwide are participating.

This year, Stowers promises an even better athlete experience.

"And every mile marker there's music and more bands along the course, more music per mile," she said.

The work won't stop until the big day and then once medals are handed out, there's clean up.

"Most of our race day for Sunday will all roll out two o'clock in the morning on Sunday morning, cleaned by 4 p.m.," she said.

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
https://www.runrocknroll.com/