London, ON: Organizers of the Forest City Road Races have announced a date change for this year’s event and made some changes for this 2010 Southwestern Ontario premier event.

In an effort to better serve runners and volunteers (and moms!), the races will now be held on Sunday, May 2, 2010. "While the event had become a Mother's Day tradition for some, it was a challenge for others," says Race Director, Todd Allen.

Registration is now open at www.forestcityroadraces.com. The first deadline for early bird entry fees is January 31st, 2010.

Another change to the event is the removal of the marathon distance. "Declining participation and increasing logistical requirements made it obvious that we should focus on ensuring the other events continue to be held to the standards runners have come to expect from us," says Allen. "Over the years, our half-marathon has emerged as a great prep run for an upcoming race or a goal race."

The event will still feature a 10km and a 5km event as well as a 1km "fun run". Improvements to the race kit pick-up process can also be expected for this year's event.

In 2009, the event drew a record 2,474 runners and raised $65,000 for the Thames Valley Children's Centre. "We are hoping for another successful event to help out a great cause and we believe the changes we're making this year will make a positive difference," says Allen.

The Forest City Road Races benefit the Thames Valley Children's Centre, a regional rehabilitation centre serving children and young adults across Southwestern Ontario who have physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders.