What You Need to Know About San Diego's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Are you running or cheering someone on Sunday in San Diego's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon?

Since there's 30,000 people running you very well may be. But you might also be planning to head to the beach on a hot day and want to avoid all the back-up.

Here's what you need to know:

When it all starts: The wheelchair race will begin at 6:10 a.m., the marathon at 6:15 a.m. and half-marathon at 6:45 a.m. on the west side of Balboa Park along Sixth Avenue. Streets are expected to be closed until 2 p.m. so plan accordingly.

The route: Goes through downtown, Balboa Park, Bay Park, Normal Heights, east Mission Bay and Mission Valley. For the full route, download the course map above. You may also download a list of street closures if you're looking for a place to watch the race or routes to avoid.

Changes: The race ends at Petco Park this year and there will be increased police presence because of the Boston Marathon bombing in April. "We are adding more private security and police officers," said Scott Dickey, president and CEO of Competitor Group Inc., which conducts the race. Be aware: Security might ask to check your bags.

Vital statistics: About 30,000 people will be part of the half and full marathons, with 8,000 runners entered in the 26-mile, 385-yard full route. The field is among the 10 largest in the nation and has become a big draw not just for San Diego-area runners, but also those from around the country.

Stars: The men's half-marathon will feature elite runners, including two-time defending champion and 2004 Olympic marathon silver medalist Meb Keflezighi, who also competed in the London Games.

He will try to hold off top Kenyan runners Eliud Kipchoge, Stephen Kibet and Bernard Koech. All three have run the half-marathon in a faster time than Keflezighi, a San Diego High School graduate.

"Competitor Group has assembled an amazing field, which will make it very difficult for me to defend my title, but I love racing in my hometown," the 38-year-old Keflezighi said.

"Winning the Rock'n'Roll San Diego Half in 2011 was a turning point for me. I enjoyed running my home course, where I know every inch of the way, with family, friends and fans cheering me on. This is a fun race for me."

– City News Service contributed to this report.