More than 3,000 runners are expected to take over the valley when the Santa Clarita Marathon kicks off at 7 a.m. Sunday forcing road closures and attracting looky-loos.

The 26.2-mile marathon starts between the Hyatt Valencia and the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall.

Runners travel a course through roadways, paved city trails and paseos. Participants cross the finish line at Westfield Valencia Town Center.

The 13th annual marathon, sponsored by the city of Santa Clarita and Parkway Motors, serves as a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon.

Runners should use Interstate 5’s Magic Mountain Parkway exit and be at the start line before 7 a.m. The start line is cleaned up and chip pads are removed at 7:02 a.m.

The 13.1-mile Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk also start at 7 a.m. and finish at the mall.

A Kid K Fun Run kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at the same place. The event serves as a way for kids younger than age 12 to stay healthy and learn about fitness.

A pre-race Health and Fitness Expo is open to all from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Hyatt Valencia.

Runners may sign up for events and pick up race bibs and T-shirts while spectators may visit the lines of booths and vendors to learn more about fitness and exercise.