Stillwater, one of the metro's hottest new marathon destinations, will host hundreds of runners Sunday for the second-ever Stillwater Marathon.
Registration is running about 20 percent ahead of last year when 2,250 participated, said David Mooney, event coordinator.
"... So we're very pleased at having established a very desirable race here in the birthplace of Minnesota," he said.
Runners will follow a picturesque route along the St. Croix River, beginning at 7 a.m. "The course offers both an urban and rural setting for the runners, with countless viewing points," Mooney said.
Three companion races -- the Jon Francis Half Marathon, a 20-mile and a 12K -- also will begin at 7.
The half marathon commemorates Stillwater High School and Augustana College runner Jon Francis, who died in a mountain fall in Idaho in 2006.
Registration for the Sunday races closes Saturday at 8 p.m. Shuttles to the starting line begin at 5 a.m. Sunday.
A series of shorter races Saturday morning have been added at Stillwater Area High School this year as part of Get Fit Minnesota. The races include a 2.6-mile mini-marathon, a 1-mile run or walk, as well as a 400-meter dash for toddlers.
