But Frederick Police Department Chief Kim Dine didn't seem happy with the amount of time he had to prepare for an entirely new course.

"I think our people saw this new design only in the past couple weeks," Dine said at a Wednesday meeting of the Board of Aldermen. "It's kind of frustrating that we have not connected the dots when this race is only a couple of weeks away."

The proposed course would start and finish at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Last year, the race started and ended at Harry Grove Stadium.

"The fairgrounds kind of became a natural solution for everybody," said Rachel Ridgway, one the race organizers.

The race, to be held May 4, will wind through downtown, Baker Park and Hood College. The second portion of the 26-mile race would extend east of the city along East Patrick Street/Md. 144 to the Spring Ridge community.

Ridgway said there could be 4,000 people running the race this year. Logistics had been worked out with Maryland State Police and the State Highway Administration for portions of the race outside the city.

Dine said 85 city officers worked during the race last year. The overtime and administrative costs are paid for by the company that organizes the race, Elkridge-based Corrigan Sports Enterprises.

He said this year the department may have to ask for help from other municipal police forces because the new route may require more traffic control.

Aldermen said they wanted the race committee to address a number of issues before they consider approving the route at a Feb. 21 meeting.

"I do think we kind of put the cart in front of the horse," said Alderman David Koontz. "This has to be a much different process in developing this and relating this in the future."

Members of the affected neighborhood advisory committees should be aware of the new route, a plan with police should be established and the effect of the Sunday race day on city church services should be studied.

"I don't see why the logistical problems can't be taken care of in four months," said Alderman C. Paul Smith.