The 2007 Frederick Marathon Route Click here for a closer look at the map Interactive Map: A seasoned runner previews this year's marathon course

More than 3,000 people have registered to run in the events, with at least 1,300 runners signed up for the half-marathon. The team relay and 5K are almost sold out.

Several city and county roads will close for the duration of the race which starts at 7:30 a.m. Accommodations will be made for residents, people with special needs and those attending religious services. The course will be swarming with police who will help ease traffic flow.

The Frederick County Sheriff's Office will be prepared if an emergency arises, Cpl. Jennifer Bailey said. Deputies and volunteer citizens will be manning the county roads.

"It's a major event," she said.

The course passes through downtown Frederick and winds around Frederick Community College, Hayward Road and Thomas Johnson Drive. It circles around Baker Park and connects with New Design Road and Ballenger Creek Pike. A portion of the race will travel through Mount Olivet Cemetery this year.

Marathon runners will cross the finish line at Harry Grove Stadium; half marathoners will finish near Baker Park. Shuttle transportation will take those runners back to the stadium between 9 and 11 a.m.

The course won't be the only obstacle. Lt. Shawn Martyak of the Frederick Police Department said coordinating parking and traffic can be a challenge.

"No runners are allowed to park at or near the stadium," Martyak said. Fire and police vehicles will be allowed to park at the stadium during the race.

Runners can park at the Holiday Inn on Spectrum Drive.

Frederick Police Chief Kim C. Dine said the planning doesn't just happen overnight.

"It is quite an undertaking," he said.

Making sure the event runs smoothly, Frederick Police officers will work with race organizers, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police and Frederick County Fire and Rescue Services.

The event can be a challenge for Frederick police because they do not have the number of officers found in a larger city, Dine said. The Baltimore City Police Department, for example, has squads that work special events only. Frederick police do not have that luxury.

Martyak said officers will provide adequate coverage of the entire course without interfering with patrol squads normal work schedules.

Any emergency situation will override the event, he said. Fire and rescue teams will be positioned in different areas throughout the course, including the Harry Grove parking lot, so they can move around quickly as needed.

Spectator tips

Gene Brtalik, director of publicity for the Frederick Marathon, suggests the best spots for spectators to watch the race.

Crowds can cheer for runners at Thomas Johnson High School as they pass the 4.5-mile and 6.5-mile markers, he said. Motter Avenue at 14th Street is another good location where runners will pass the 6.8-mile and 11-mile markers.

Spectators will have a nice view from Frederick High School as runners pass the 13.7-mile and 14.8-mile markers. Watching from New Design at Guilford Drive will be ideal for those who want to encourage marathoners about one mile before the finish line.

Spectators aren't allowed to enter the cemetery but, he said, "They're welcome to bring out food and drinks."

Brtalik recommends handing out any small, bite-sized snacks.

"Runners love Gummy Bears," Brtalik said.

He also suggests playing music from a portable stereo because runners are not allowed to carry hand-held devices such as iPods. They appreciate anything to help the time go by, he said.

Spectators should not shout "Almost there!"

Instead, fans can encourage runners by yelling how well they're doing and how nice they look, Brtalik said. The last thing runners want to hear after running several miles is that they only have a few more to go.

"Don't give them a count down," he said.