PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Thousands of runners are expected to descend on Providence this weekend as the city hosts the "Rock 'n' Roll" Half Marathon.

Sunday's race will take an estimated 5,000 runners from the Statehouse to the city's East Side — where participants will run up historic Benefit Street — over to Blackstone Boulevard, along the Seekonk River and India Point Park and back downtown to end at the Statehouse.

About 20 bands will play along the course.

Many streets will be closed to traffic. Most of them will be open by noon except Francis Street, Finance Way and Gaspee Street, near the start and finish of the race. They will be closed until 5 p.m.