The 22nd annual Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Organizers have confirmed that a record 13,250 runners are registered for the various events, marking the largest iteration of the race in the city’s history, according to Yahoo Sports.
The influx of athletes will bring significant logistical challenges to the area.
The event is expected to impact dozens of roads located around the Uptown district, as reported by WSOC-TV.
To celebrate the occasion, Carolina Panthers legend and NFL Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly will serve as the official race starter and Grand Marshal.
The competition begins early in the morning.
The Chick-fil-A 5K is set to start at 7:10 a.m., followed by the Marathon and Half Marathon at 7:20 a.m.
Participants are arriving from a wide geographic range to compete in the Queen City.
Runners are traveling from 47 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Bermuda, per the outlets.
Despite the international and national interest, the majority of the field remains local.
Approximately 70% of all registered participants are residents of North Carolina, according to Yahoo Sports.
Officials are advising residents and visitors to prepare for road closures and increased congestion throughout the day as the race progresses through city streets.
The record-breaking registration numbers highlight the growing popularity of the event within the regional running community.
Local authorities and event organizers continue to coordinate efforts to manage the traffic flow and ensure the safety of all runners and spectators during the festivities.
The marathon remains a key event for the city, drawing thousands of visitors and contributing to the local economy while showcasing the Uptown area to a diverse group of international and domestic athletes.