KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Final preparations are underway for the 48th Clarence DeMar Marathon, with hundreds of runners expected to take part in the annual race and related events this weekend.

Race Director Alan Stroshine discussed preparations for Sunday’s marathon during a recent appearance on Good Morning with Dan Mitchell, covering everything from volunteer staffing and medical support to runner health and road closures.

The marathon is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. The half marathon will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the Super Seniors Marathon at 8 a.m. and the Kids Marathon at 8:30 a.m.

In an update on Friday Stroshine said that the race is still on despite the inclement weather.

Stroshine said volunteer staffing is complete, with Keene State College student-athletes serving primarily as course marshals and one group working at a water station.

Volunteers have been briefed on when to arrive, course procedures and how to respond if a runner appears to be struggling. Stroshine said marshals are not expected to provide medical intervention but should direct runners toward the next water station and alert race officials to problems.

Keene State College, the City of Keene and Cheshire Medical Center are among the event’s major partners. Medical personnel from the hospital, including physicians, physician assistants, APRNs, athletic trainers and physical therapists, will work in shifts along the course and at the finish-line medical tent.

Advice for runners

With race day approaching, Stroshine emphasized that runners should be focused on recovery rather than trying to squeeze in another hard workout.

Runners should taper following their final long run, get adequate rest and replenish glycogen stores with familiar, carbohydrate-rich foods.

He also urged runners to pay attention to pain or other warning signs in the days leading up to the race. A minor twinge may warrant additional evaluation, while symptoms such as significant swelling should not be ignored or raced through.

After the race, runners should gradually replace fluids and electrolytes and watch for signs of heat-related illness or exercise-associated hyponatremia.

Weather also can affect race-day conditions. Light rain generally isn’t expected to create major problems, although wet shoes can contribute to discomfort and chafing. Race officials are monitoring the forecast as the weekend approaches.

Tracking and road closures

Runners will be tracked using timing chips attached to their bibs, with timing mats positioned several times along the course.

Stroshine also reminded runners who withdraw from the race to notify race officials so their status can be properly recorded.

Drivers should expect several road impacts Sunday morning.

Optical Avenue is expected to close from approximately 7 to 8:30 a.m., while Baker Street will be closed throughout the day. A portion of Route 12A will have alternating traffic from approximately 8 to 8:45 a.m.

Because some runners may remain on the course until about 2 p.m., motorists should use caution around the race route throughout the morning.

This year’s field includes runners from 39 states and five countries.

Race weekend schedule

The marathon weekend begins Friday, with runner check-in and bib pickup from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ted’s Shoe & Sport, 115 Main St.

A Clarence DeMar shakeout run is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Ted’s, followed by full and half marathon check-in and bib pickup from noon to 5 p.m. at Spaulding Gymnasium at Keene State College.

The pre-race pasta dinner will begin at 5 p.m. Saturday at Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Road. The evening includes opening remarks and a program before dinner at 6:30 p.m.

This year’s keynote speaker is Jack Fultz, the 1976 Boston Marathon champion. Fultz won that year’s famously hot race in 2:20:19, an event that became known as the “Run for the Hoses.” He later qualified for three consecutive U.S. Olympic Trials and has spent decades working as a coach and mentor in the running community.

On Sunday, full marathon runners should report to Spaulding Gymnasium for bib and packet pickup between 5:15 and 5:45 a.m. Buses to the Gilsum starting line will leave Keene State between 5:15 and 5:45 a.m., with the marathon starting at 7 a.m.

Half marathon runners can pick up bibs and packets from 5:45 to 7 a.m. Buses to the Surry Mountain Beach starting area will run from 6:30 to 7 a.m., with the half marathon starting at 8 a.m.

Runners being dropped off at the Surry Mountain Beach start must arrive by 7:20 a.m.

The first return bus for half marathon runners will leave Keene State at noon, with the final bus leaving at 1 p.m. The gate at Surry Mountain Beach will close and be locked at 2 p.m.

Race organizers will also provide a Facebook Live broadcast for those who want to watch runners finish.

With race-day logistics, volunteers and medical coverage in place, organizers are now focused on the final details before the 48th Clarence DeMar Marathon gets underway Sunday morning.

Listen to the full interview: