A few tweaks for Sunday's City of Oaks marathon

With its fifth incarnation set for Sunday morning, organizers of the City of Oaks Marathon seem to have a clear idea what the race is and what it is not.

"What are we? We're a marathon in Raleigh, North Carolina," said Ron Wahula, the race director. "We're not a big, big destination. We think of ourselves as a family-friendly race."

With that in mind, race organizers made a few tweaks for this year's event.

They first made a rule change so that only U.S. citizens are eligible for the $12,500 in prize money. That way, the race appeals to regional or national competitors instead of international racers.

In addition to the full and half marathons that have been a staple of the event since its inception, there are three new formats designed to attract a broader range of interest.

After functioning as a stand-alone event for the past 27 years, the Old Reliable 10K has been incorporated into the City of Oaks Marathon to offer a shorter option for competitors.

There will also be a four-person relay over the full marathon course that will allow runners who may be competing in another race in the fall to have some fun by teaming up with friends. And a kid's race - open to 7-14 year-olds - will give a younger generation the chance to tackle a one-mile course.

"It brings more energy to the event," Wahula said. "You have to remember, the half marathon and the full marathon are somewhat elitist events."

The most dramatic change might be the new start and finish.

N.C. State's Centennial Campus was the site for both in previous events. After talking with business owners on Hillsborough Street - the road closed down during past marathons, and with all the spectators and post-race participants over on Centennial Campus, it was a losing economic proposition - organizers moved the start and finish to the Bell Tower on N.C. State's campus.

"I'm very excited about the new start and finish," said Kimberlie Sowler, who finished second in the full marathon in 2008 and 2010. "I went to N.C. State, so that's one cool thing. It will be kind of cool to finish right there at the Bell Tower."

The response has been strong with 3,700 runners expected Sunday. Last-minute registration is available today at the McKimmon Center on N.C. State's campus from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

"We've surpassed our past participation already - by Monday of last week," said Carolyn Micheels, the media director for the race. "We might fill up the half-marathon and have to close registration for it."

Wahula said they have families participating who are going to have every member of the family compete in different events.

"That, we think, is highly desirable," Wahula said.