The oldest road race in North America – Hamilton's Around the Bay Race — is set for this Sunday, April 3.

Traditionally, the event takes place at the end of March but was pushed to April because of the Easter long weekend.

Pushing the race a week later, though, doesn't mean racers will experience better weather.

On Friday, Environment Canada's forecast for the famous race suggested a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of flurries and a daytime high hovering around minus 1.

If you've run the race in the past, you know it's been much worse.

Road closures

All events start on York Blvd., one block west of FirstOntario Centre. For commuters and spectators, there are several main road closures on York Boulevard and Bay Street to consider.

The Around the Bay Road Race is this Sunday! Road closures & HSR detours: <a href="https://t.co/uE6xCXoQTH">https://t.co/uE6xCXoQTH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamOnt?src=hash">#HamOnt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATB2016?src=hash">#ATB2016</a> <a href="https://t.co/stuHsf1dga">pic.twitter.com/stuHsf1dga</a> —@cityofhamilton

Currently there are 3,100 participants registered for the 5k race, 1,300 for the relays and 6,600 registered for the 30k run for a total of 11,000 road-ready runners. Organizers expect some same-day registrations, too.

Race director Anna Lewis says the numbers are slightly down from last year.

"There's a changing trend from people registering early to registering on race day," she said. "People could be waiting to see what happens with the weather or they may be waiting to see if they're ready — if they've done the training."

Valley Inn Road closed for second year

Lewis says she's not concerned about the weather.

"Bay race runners have trained in everything," she said Friday. "Last year was a tough winter. They've trained in rain, snow, they're tough. We live in Canada; what do you expect?"

One of the biggest changes to the race has been the absence of the Valley Inn Road hill. For the second year, it will be closed for construction.

Around the Bay Road Race director Anna Lewis posed with the original 17 mile marker from the 1894 course that can be found on York Blvd near the 28k mark when she ran the race route in November 2015. (Around the Bay/Facebook) CN is building a second track as part of an initiative to enhance GO Transit rail service in Hamilton. CN says they plan to re-open the road later this summer and it will be ready in time for the 2017 race.

Lewis took the role of race director in 2015 and is excited about seeing runners at the start line on Sunday.

She said she can't name a favourite part of the race.

"I love the start line, the finish line, the volunteers, the race committee," she said. "I guess I love every part."

As part of race weekend in the city, there are a couple events taking place. They are free and open to runners and the public.

The first Around the Bay race was held in 1894 – 122 years ago.