Due to the inclement weather occurring in Southwest Georgia, the Albany Marathon & ½ Marathon and Mardi Gras Street Festival are undergoing a few changes.

Officials with the race say they will be changing the route ending and finish line due to the rising Flint River. The original route took runners through Thronateeska Heritage Center and down the Riverwalk to the Finish Line in Riverfront Park, behind the Albany Welcome Center. This year the Finish Line will be at Thronateeska Heritage Center.   The alternative route has been certified and will still be a Boston Qualifier.

“We appreciate the Thronateeska Heritage Center staff for being flexible with the changes of this year’s race,” says Rashelle Beasley, Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau Director. “We have worked out all of the logistics. We are ready for race day.”

Officials say that the Mardi Gras Street Festival has moved to the 100 blocks of Front Street and Pine Avenue with entry gates at the intersections of West Broad Ave and Front Street, North Washington and Pine Ave, and the alley across from the Albany Welcome Center. The festival has a new time, beginning at 10 am and running until midnight with the main stage on Pine Avenue. New fees will be in place (Adults: $5, Ages 13 and up: $5, Ages 3-12: $2) and no unattended children will be admitted. For more information regarding Mardi Gras, contact Teresa Smith at 229.317.4760.

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