On April 29, thousands of runners will get the chance to participate in the first Run CRANDIC between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, powered by the University of Iowa Community Credit Union.

The Corridor Running Club, Think Iowa City, Go Cedar Rapids, and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance organized the event.

The full marathon will start in downtown Cedar Rapids and finish at Kinnick Stadium. Run CRANDIC will offer races for every kind of runner: marathon, half-marathon, and 5K.

“It’s an event 20 years in the making,” said Nick Pfeiffer, the director of marketing for Think Iowa. “Everyone is aware that that it is the perfect distance for a marathon.”

The marathon will start at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids and proceed south past Kirkwood Community College before connecting with Highway 965 South. The half-marathon will connect with the route in North Liberty, and the 5K will start at Northwest Junior High in Coralville before connecting with the other routes. Everyone will finish at the south entrance to Kinnick Stadium and be greeted by the silver grin of Nile Kinnick himself.

In addition to being the start of the race, NewBo City Market will also host a pre-race party and Run CRANDIC Expo. It will feature local food and vendors and give runners a chance to pick up their materials from the event hosts.

Initially, the race expected around 1,000 runners; there are now close to 3,000 runners participating. Cedar Rapids resident and avid runner Michael Price, one of the participants, said he looks forward to the chance to complete the marathon.

“There is definitely an appeal to running from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if I was looking to run at this time of year; I usually run in the fall. But when I heard about it, I couldn’t pass it up.”

Iowa City and Cedar Rapids runners are also excited about the chance to have a marathon so close to home.

“I like that I do not have to travel to it,” said Angie Maske Berka, a 25-marathon veteran living in Iowa City. “It’s in my backyard. Hotel bills and miles on the road can add up when traveling to races.”

When the race concludes at the silver feet of Nile Kinnick, medals will be awarded along with post-race, electrolyte-filled drinks and snacks.

After the race, all are welcome to replenish their energy at an after-party hosted by Big Grove, 1225 S. Gilbert St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration in the race includes one free beer and a meal.