Raleigh has so many road races that the City Council recently put in a 100-race cap for any year. It’s probably a good rule, given the fact that many races require street closings and a good bit of inconvenience even as they encourage fitness. Happily, one race getting in under the cap will be the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, coming to the Capital City next year. There are Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathons held in 30 cities around the world, and this is a prestigious event.

It’s estimated that half of the 7,500 runners will be “not from around here” as we say in the South, and about $2 million will be left behind by them and other runners, what with hotels, meals, vending, etc.

But the obvious difference will be that in addition to a fitness exhibit, there will be plenty of rock ‘n’ roll from participating bands. It’s quite the extravaganza, and the music doubtless will draw younger participants for the marathon as well as the runners who typically participate in such events (such as Raleigh’s own City of Oaks Marathon). Rock on. Run on. Do both!