Rock 'n' Roll weekend begins with 5K under ideal conditions

Runners awoke to mostly clear skies and a touch of chill in the air. As the sun rises, so will temperatures, so that the race will be run in the 50s, but the high will climb into the mi-70s.

"We should see little more than some patchy, fair-weather clouds as the day wears on," WRAL meteorologist Mike Moss said. "Temperatures will will be comfortably mild, with a little less humid air in place as well."

Rock ‘n’ Roll Raleigh is known to runners for its beautiful, if hilly, tree-lined course, and to Raleigh residents for widespread traffic disruptions.

While the 5K Saturday is run in the new Dix Park, the marathon and half-marathon Sunday morning will take over downtown.

More than 8,500 participants – representing all 50 states and eight foreign countries – are registered to run.

Temperatures at Sunday's race start should be mild, in the mid-50s, under clear skies. It will gradually warm through the day, with the bulk of the runners finishing before temperatures reach the forecast high of 73 degrees.

Expect road closures, especially within the square bordered by McDowell, Hargett, Fayetteville and South streets, where roads will close as early as 3 a.m. Sunday. Most other roads will be closed by 6 a.m. and will reopen as runners pass.

The race begins on Fayetteville Street at E. Davie Street and heads towards the historic Capitol Building before cruising by some of Raleigh’s most charming and historic areas. The journey ends at the new finish line on McDowell Street with a view of the Cree Shimmer Wall just outside of Red Hat Amphitheater.

After the race, runners and fans jam at the Finish Line Festival, headlined by '90s alternative rockers Cracker. The concert is free and open to the public.

Those participating in the marathon can park in designated downtown garages. Those decks will charge a fee, and cars will be charged as they exit the garage.

Police warn against using GPS to get to the start/finish line, as streets will be closed. Police will be in place directing traffic, or drivers can use the Waze app to find available routes.

Race organizers recommend that runners be dropped off downtown by 5:30 a.m.

Drop-off points are set at Wilmington and Jones streets for access from the north and at Wilmington and South streets for those coming from the north.