Marathon runners will be enjoying the sights of three downtown squares and the Savannah State University campus in a new course announced Wednesday.

You can see the new course at this website.

Officials for the 2nd annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday, November 3rd are changing the route to reduce time participants are on the Truman Parkway.

Areas south of the marathon also will suffer less road closures.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve both the runner experience and reduce the impact on neighbors and businesses,” says Doug Thurston, Vice President of Course Operations for Competitor Group Inc. “The new course will create a special memory for runners from across the country who will be introduced to the very best of Savannah’s historic charm and beauty as they tour the city.”

Last year, over half of the race’s 23,000 participants finished the marathon.

This year the number of participants is expected to be around 26,000.

Alongside the marathon is an invitation to kids from Kindergarten to 7th grade from KiDS ROCK, a marathon training program aimed at fighting the rise in childhood obesity.

The kids were asked to run 12 weeks before the event, and run a final mile on race day.

This year’s race beneficiary will be the American Cancer Society, which is expecting to raise more than $1.4 million from this event.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to raise awareness about a disease that touches everyone,” said Staci Brown, national director of endurance events for the American Cancer Society. “We’re thrilled to partner with Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah and we hope to inspire more runners and walkers to participate and experience the team camaraderie, inspiration and dedication to a cause that is truly worthy of their miles.”

The race will end with a concert and finish line festival at Forsyth Park.

“The changes in this year’s event will be very popular,” says Joseph Marinelli, President of Visit Savannah. “From making the running course more visually attractive to adding the KiDS ROCK event, locals and visitors alike are going to be very pleased with the improvements.”

Tags: Savannah, GPB News, Joe Marinelli, Rock and Roll Marathon, Visit Savannah, American Cancer Society, nicholas lawrence, Doug Thurston