— The annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon shifts a bit this spring to allow runners quicker access to the celebratory concert at the end of their race.

In years' past, the race has started and finished on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. While the start line remains the same, the 2017 races will end with a view of the Cree Shimmer Wall at the Raleigh Convention Center just outside of Red Hat Amphitheater.

"We have made slight adjustments to the start and finish line to make the race even more convenient," said Ted Metellus, Raleigh course director. "With our new finish line right outside of Red Hat Amphitheater, participants can rest those tired legs with a much shorter walk to the finish line festival."

The 2017 Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon weekend kicks off with a complimentary Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, March 31 at the Raleigh Convention Center.

A 5K will be held at Dorothea Dix Park on April 1 at 8 a.m. The marathon and half marathon take place April 2 beginning at 7 a.m.