Businesses in Buffalo will battle in a different way Thursday.

Instead of facing off for customers, the Corporate Challenge pits employees against each other in a 3.5 mile race.

This year’s event features a record-setting 14,000 runners representing 191 companies.

The event promotes health and fitness in the workplace and makes a difference in the community by donating profits to the Buffalo Olmstead Park Conservancy.

As always, the race begins and ends in Delaware Park. Start time is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. but road closures begin around 4 p.m., with roads expected to reopen after 10 p.m.

Police ask drivers to avoid the Parkside neighborhood and use alternate routes because of heavy traffic expected around the park.

The primary race course is on Delaware Avenue, affecting also Amherst Street to West Ferry and parts of Nottingham and Middlesex will be closed between 6:30-8:15 p.m.

Amherst Street will be closed between Colvin to Nottingham from 5-8:15 p.m.

Shuttle bus service is available from Buffalo State College from 4-6 p.m. and again between 8-10 p.m. to transport participants to and from the event.

They say people who block driveways, crosswalks or fire hydrants will be ticketed and or towed.

As a reminder, drivers are also asked not to park on grassy areas in and around the park.