Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said because the race director had family issues, it was agreed to change the date of the marathon to June 20 this year.

Some 200 people have already signed up for the race, which last year brought people from 12 states and three countries.

“It's an extremely popular event,” he said.

Because the event falls on Father's Day weekend, the city and race organizers hope to make it a more family-oriented event. “We might be able to capture people coming to Lake Gaston whether for the weekend or those on vacation.”

The marathon will also be the day the city accepts a certificate for the Canal Trail's win earlier this year in the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association's best Greenway Division contest.

The recognition will come following the race and immediately before the race awards are presented at the Roanoke Rapids Lake Park on Oakwood Avenue.

Another announcement concerning the trail will also be forthcoming that week, Simeon said, declining to immediately comment after today's advisory committee meeting.

Roanoke Rapids Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky said staff from the planning association will be present for the awards certificate.

“It's going to be open to the public to have our trail recognized as a great greenway,” she said.

It will also give people a chance to experience the trail. “It has a little something for everyone whether for active or passive use. It offers a little something for everyone,” Lasky said.

Trailhead signs acknowledging the award are still be considered.

Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Kelly Manning said a fun run for children on the trails of the lake park is also planned on the day of the half-marathon.

Skate park

Meanwhile, Simeon said the skate park will have a six- to nine-month build process and a committee was formed to work on the rules and regulations of the park.

Simeon said staff envisions users signing a waiver form and given a sticker to be able to use the facility.