Indie band to headline Rock 'n' Roll half-marathon post-race fest

Indie rock band Susto will headline the annual Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series next month in downtown Raleigh.

The South Carolina-based band will be performing during a post-race concert at Red Hat Amphitheater on April 8. Susto blends Americana, bluegrass, electronic and soul.

This year's race weekend will not include a full marathon as previous years. For its fifth year in Raleigh, the race will be focusing on the half-marathon, 5K and 1-mile races, instead of the full marathon. Registration is now open for both races.

The half marathon starts at 7 a.m. on Fayetteville Street. The route goes towards the historic Capitol building before heading through the historic district and local neighborhoods. It will finish at the intersection of Lenoir and West streets. A post-race finish festival and concert is planned at Red Hat Amphitheater. The new course route is among several additions to the race. Runners can also expect more music throughout the race, on-course nutrition and technology integration.

With any race, there will be road closures to contend with. The half-marathon will close roads from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Streets will reopen on a rolling basis when the last participant passes and course materials are picked up.

A Health a Fitness Expo will be held April 6-7 at the Raleigh Convention Center. The expo will feature vendors, offering the latest running gear, nutrition and training.

The 5K and 1-mile races will be held on April 7 at Dix Park.

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, which has events across the globe, features a different mix of races in each city. Currently, 14 of its host cities have full marathons scheduled this year or next. In addition to half-marathons and 5Ks, the series also hosts 10Ks.

The Rock 'n' Roll Raleigh Marathon Series is presented by WRAL.