Race organizers are hoping for better weather for this year’s Myrtle Beach Marathon, which last year was cancelled after snow began falling the night before the 26.2-mile race was to begin at 6:30 a.m. Fearful that volunteers and runners could be in danger, officials made the dreaded decision to call off the race.

This year’s marathon weekend is scheduled for February 17-19. As of press time, registration was still open for all events, but marathon committee member Mike Shank said the half-marathon would likely sell out soon. Events include the marathon and half marathon on Saturday and a 5K and 1-mile fun run on Friday.

Runners competing in the full and half marathons will find a new course route. The beginning of the race will be run on Kings Highway south to The Market Common, then up Ocean Boulevard. Half marathoners will turn onto Mr. Joe White Avenue and then Grissom Parkway and finish at BB&T Coastal Field. Marathoners will stay on Ocean Boulevard, turn on Grande Dunes Boulevard, head south on Kings Highway to 65th Avenue North, run a portion of the race on the bike trail that fronts U.S. 17 Bypass before heading south on Grissom Parkway and finishing at BB&T Coastal Field. For detailed maps, go to www.mbmarathon.com.

Last-minute deciders can sign up online or take their chances and sign up at the race expo, 5-9 p.m. Thursday, February 17, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, February 18, at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N. Oak St. The expo is open to the public.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed. If you’d like to volunteer, click the volunteer tab on the marathon web site or call (843)293-7223.