At a Media Conference Friday, Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director and SNICKERS Marathon Race Director Rashelle Minix, announced several big changes to the March 5, 2022 race. Flint River Entertainment Complex, The Artesian Alliance, and Albany CVB have partnered to organize this year’s Marathon and Festival. The original route has been altered in anticipation of the Oglethorpe Bridge replacement so as not to conflict. The route now extends over more of the Albany State University West Campus and circles the Willson Hospice House, which is the benefactor of all race proceeds.  The course also shifts to include more of Doublegate including Wallington, Warwick, and Pendleton streets.

The race begins at 7 a.m. on Front Street next to Veteran’s Park and ends at 2 p.m. behind the Albany Welcome Center. Drivers should expect delays, however there will not be any road closures and only partial lane closures. Local law enforcement and road marshals will be working along the course to ensure safety and efficiency. The SNICKERS marathon is one of the top Boston Qualifiers in the country. 1425 Runners from 34 states and seven countries have registered and the race is estimated to have an economic impact of more than $600,000.

In conjunction with the marathon and half marathon, the Downtown Albany Street Festival will kick off this year at noon and will run until 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $5 and kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com and at the Georgia’s Own Credit Union Box Office located at the Albany Civic Center. The event features live music, a variety of vendors, and a Kid Zone with inflatables. This year’s music lineup includes Flintside Drive, Evan Barber and the Dead Gamblers, Thomas Merritt Band, and Harry and Kayla Day. Beverage sampling will be provided by Bud Light Next, Pretoria Fields, and Coca-Cola. For more information, visit  www.flintriverentertainmentcomplex.com/.