RALEIGH, NC - February 14, 2017 - Humana Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon today announced The ALS Association North Carolina Chapter, a non-profit committed to curing ALS and helping ALS patients and caregivers, as featured charity of the race. The 4th annual Humana Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon returns the weekend of April 1 - 2, 2017 and will debut a new start and finish line.

"We are so pleased to be the featured charity of the Humana Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon," said Jerry Dawson, president and CEO of The ALS Association North Carolina Chapter. "This incredible event allows us to tell our story of hope and help for families while providing the opportunity for everyone to join our movement."

In addition to serving the needs of local ALS patients and caregivers, The ALS Association North Carolina Chapter works together with the National Office to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy.

"There is no better way to give back than running and raising money for a great cause," said Dave Hussa, Vice President of Charity Partnerships for the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon Series. "The ALS Association is a wonderful organization and we are proud to partner with them to help raise awareness and find a cure for Lou Gehrig's Disease."

Humana Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon will take off at 7:00 am. The race will start on Fayetteville Street and will take runners on a scenic tour of the city, passing by the Capitol Building, through the charming homes of Oakwood, North Carolina State University and other attractions before finishing with a view of the Cree Shimmer Wall at the Raleigh Convention Center just outside of Red Hat Amphitheater.

Participants will be greeted by the sounds of live entertainment, along with spectators and cheerleading teams lining the route to motivate them to the finish line. Upon finishing, runners are invited to relax and celebrate with family and friends at the post race Toyota Rock ‘n' Roll Concert Series at Red Hat Amphitheater.

In 2016, Humana Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh introduced two days of racing with the 5K on Saturday, which gave participants the opportunity to earn a special Remix Challenge medal in addition to each race's individual finisher medal. In 2017, the Humana Rock ‘n' Roll 5K will return allowing participants to once again complete the Remix Challenge. The 5K will take place at 8:00 a.m. at Dorothea Dix Park.

Race weekend kicks off with a complimentary Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, March 31 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 1 from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center. The expo will showcase vendors featuring the latest in running gear, nutrition and training.

Over the 20-year history of the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon Series, charity participants have raised more than $335 million for a variety of worthy causes and nonprofit organizations. For more information on the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon Series, visit RunRocknRoll.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.