WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 2018 Rock ‘N' Roll Marathon

Thousands of runners will take over the streets of the nation's capital as the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon will be held on Saturday.

THE COURSE

The 26.2-mile course will begin near the Ellipse of the White House and will continue around the city to the finish line at RFK Stadium. In addition to the marathon course, there will also be a half marathon and a 5K course as well. (Click here to see the map of all three courses)

RACE INFO

Participants can pick up their bib number at the DC Armory on Thursday between 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Friday at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

On Saturday, the marathon race will begin at 7 a.m. on Constitution Avenue and 14th Street, SW. Runners will be split in five different waves and the start line for the marathon will close at 7:15 a.m. The 5K start time is at 8 a.m. and the Half Marathon start time will take place at 8:30 a.m.

For full race details, go to www.runrocknroll.com/dc/news/2018/02/race-weekend-information-center-2/

NEW SECURITY MEASURES

For the first time, drivers are being told to move their cars off the marathon route or they will get their vehicle towed. Officials wants cars removed from the route because they do not want them used following vehicle attacks in New York City and Nice, France.

"The rational is that there have been attacks in New York City, but also in Europe where individuals have used gatherings of people to attack individuals who are on sidewalks or streets," said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Kevin Donahue.

Tow trucks will be dispatched to the marathon route and will remove all vehicles after 6:30 a.m. It is being called a courtesy tow. Drivers will be ticketed and towed around the corner to an open space, but not to an impound yard.

TRANSPORTATION

With Metro not open until 7 a.m. on Saturday, riding on Metro will not be an option for runners racing in the marathon. However, free shuttles are being offered to runners from Lot 6 at RFK Stadium. However, participants must reserve a seat on the shuttle as well as pre-purchase parking.

RACE ROUTES AND STREET CLOSURES

D.C. police say there will be many road closures for the big race. Some of the closures will begin as early as 2 a.m. The streets are expected to reopen at around 3 p.m.

For an additional map of street closures, go to: www.runrocknroll.com/dc

Also, download the FREE Waze navigation app on your smart phone to help avoid road closures on race weekend.

Metered Traffic Locations

Metered traffic locations are intersections that vehicles will be allowed to cross by a MPD Officer when safe to do so.

Motorists traveling in the area of this event may experience delays and should consider alternative routes. The Metropolitan Police Department would like to remind motorists to pay full attention whenever operating any motor vehicle and to be mindful of heavy pedestrian traffic that may be associated with special events. These street closings are subject to change without notice based upon unanticipated events and prevailing conditions.