Raleigh, NC - January 13, 2014 - With a newly approved course in hand, race organizers are moving forward with the next steps of planning a world-class running event, with the Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon Presented by WRAL Benefiting The V Foundation set to take place Sunday, April 13.

The unique, entertainment themed race will feature the best sights of Raleigh, and its best sounds too. Live, local bands will play each mile of the 26.2-mile course, providing motivation, entertainment and a taste of Raleigh's music scene to thousands of visiting runners. Bands from across the region are encouraged to apply online. More information is available at RunRocknRoll.com/Raleigh.

"This is going to be a special weekend in Raleigh, one of personal pride for the runners, and collective pride in the community," said Alan Culpepper, Event Director. "Now that the course has been approved, we'll begin planning the music along the route, keeping the community's concerns in mind while also ensuring a top notch runner experience."

With more than 8,500 registered runners already, the musically-themed marathon is set to welcome visitors from 50 states and at least 6 foreign countries. More than 40% of the runners are coming from outside the Raleigh-Durham area, bringing significant economic impact to the region.

"We're thrilled to see the response so far," said Scott Dupree, Executive Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance. "We know that Raleigh and the surrounding region offers a talented and diverse music scene, and this is a great opportunity for us to showcase that through the bands who are going to be performing for thousands of visiting runners, many of whom will be experiencing our city for the first time."

Recently, a few changes were made to the course to better accommodate local churches and business located near the race route. Those revisions include a new start line on South Salisbury Street, which will improve northbound access on Wilmington Street. The course was also shifted one block south on parts of Hillsborough Street, a major access road for churchgoers, to West Morgan Street. Access lanes were added on MLK Boulevard and the marathon course was revised to lessen impact along Blue Ridge Road. Metering points will be available throughout the course, allowing traffic to cross when runners are not present, and roads will be reopened as soon as runners are through.

Participants will experience sights like the Governor's Mansion, Rose Garden, Oakwood neighborhood, Pullen Park and the North Carolina State campus and will finish in downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street near the Red Hat Amphitheater where they can gather with friends and family for the post race concert.

The V Foundation is the official race charity partner of the Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State Basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $115 million in cancer research grants nationwide. Net proceeds of Team V will benefit cancer research and related programs. Runners can join the cause by running for Team V at www.run4v.org.

Event weekend will begin with a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Raleigh Convention Center where all participants go to pick up their race number. The expo will feature dozens of running and fitness retailers, exhibits with free nutritional samples and a series of interactive clinics with running experts and pro athletes.

For more information about the inaugural Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon Presented by WRAL Benefiting the V Foundation, please visit RunRocknRoll.com/Raleigh.

About Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh
The inaugural Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh Marathon & ½ Marathon Presented by WRAL Benefiting The V Foundation will debut on Sunday, April13, 2014. Open to runners and walkers from novice to professional, live bands and local high school cheerleaders entertain and cheer on participants along the scenic course. A two-day Health & Fitness Expo kicks off race week at the Raleigh Convention Center on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12. All participants must visit the expo to pick up their race numbers and browse over 100 vendors from the running and fitness industry. Race weekend concludes with a finish line festival and post-race concert. To register for the race or for more information about Rock ‘n' Roll Raleigh, visit RunRocknRoll.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.

About The V Foundation
The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has funded more than $115 million in cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all direct cash donations to cancer research and related programs. Due to generous donors, the Foundation has an endowment that covers administrative expenses. The Foundation awards peer-reviewed grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Advisory Board. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.