Ann Arbor Marathon to prompt several street closures Sunday morning
Several streets throughout Ann Arbor will be closed on Sunday when the Ann Arbor Marathon races its way through the city.
Street closures will begin at 5:30 a.m. in preparation for the marathon, which begins at 6:30 a.m., and streets will gradually reopen throughout the morning as runners finish the race. The the half marathon and the 5K both begin at 7:30 a.m. and the race ends at 12:30 p.m. The 1.2 mile and finish will start at 8:30 a.m.
Washtenaw Avenue, Huron Street, Stadium Boulevard and Plymouth Road will remain open all morning, allowing traffic to move across town.
The following is a list of road closures that will reopen as runners complete the course:
- Northbound Main Street from Stadium Boulevard to Liberty Street will be closed all morning. Southbound Main Street will remain open. Gaps in runners will allow residents east of Main Street to cross the street to a western side street or to travel south on Main.
- Liberty Street between Main and State streets will close until about 7:45 a.m.
- The westbound lanes of East Huron Drive will be closed during the race. Eastbound Huron Drive will be open all morning. Those living north of East Huron River Drive will be able to exit their homes when there is a break in runners.
- Southbound Huron Parkway from Fuller to Plymouth roads will be closed during the race. Northbound Huron Parkway will be open all morning.
- Hubbard/Hayward on U-M's North Campus will be closed. Those north or south of Hayward Street can access Plymouth or Fuller roads from Murfin Street.
- Westbound Fuller Road and Fuller Court from Huron Parkway to Bonisteel Boulevard will be closed during the entirety of the race. Eastbound Fuller Road is open all morning. Those living on the south side of Fuller Road and Fuller Court will only be able to exit to travel east when there is a break in runners.
- State Street from West Madison Street to Eisenhower Parkway will be closed during the race. Southbound State Street from Hill Street to Eisenhower also will be closed, but northbound lanes will be open all morning.
- Eastbound Eisenhower Parkway from State Street to Market Place will be closed. Eastbound Eisenhower will remain open up to Plaza Road. Westbound Eisenhower is not on the course, but runners cross the State Street and Eisenhower intersection so vehicles will only be permitted to cross State on westbound Eisenhower when there is a break in runners. Frequent breaks are expected because this portion is late in the course.
- All of Briarwood Circle will be closed for the duration of the event and access to Mall Drive will only be possible when there are gaps in runners.
For maps and more information about detour routes visit the Ann Arbor Marathon website.
Registration closes at 5 p.m. on Friday. The race begins Sunday on Main Street at the corner of Keech in front of the University of Michigan football stadium.
Chelsea Hoedl is an intern reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at choedl@mlive.com.
Comments
Sam S Smith
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:19 p.m.
I'm not against any event but please give fair warning such as a day or two regarding road closures so that people can make alternative routes. Thank you
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
It's 11 AM as I write this. Along Main Street (below William) there are still a straggle of runners going South AND North every minute or so. Along with the runners, there must be a dozen or more spectators clapping (sporadically) and cheering (sporadically). What a MAGNIFICENT EVENT, positively Earth Shaking in its importance and significance. LOL! EXACTLY LIKE THE OLYMPICS!! (NOT!) The Olympic Games are a World Event, where athletes from many nations compete. The modern Olympics have even been part of international diplomatic strategies. The Ann Arbor Marathon IS NOT the Olympic Games. Everyone with knowledge and experience in "sport running" (track athletes for example) KNOWS: Marathon races are events exclusively for ectomorphs (people below normal body weight and "slight:" in build). Even "normal" runners will experience foot and leg injuries if they try to run 26.2 miles. This is pure medical and physics knowledge. Endomorphic and mesomorphic people cannot WIN marathon races. In other words, only this one special body type is catered to and "featured" and allowed (literally) 'the run of our streets.' What is the BENEFIT? If there's an evolutionary advantage: there'd be far more ectomorphs than there actually are. To say ectomorphs are "in better shape" and "healthier" than other athletes is just ignorant (and probably intentionally prejudicial). No athlete who's an ectomorph has ever won A DECATHLON. Let these marathon runners switch to shot-putting: that even takes up a lot less space and is followed by about as many "fans."
PineyWoodsGuy
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:48 p.m.
@JRW I completely agree with your question of "Who Gets the Money?" See my earlier post on this thread where I made a similar request for information. I have no problem with an entrepreneur trying to make a buck by paying for a one day lease on a 160 acre farm and having the skinny ones run circles on it to total 26+ miles. The point is this: We paid for the city streets. We are inconvenienced. If a entrepreneur is making money by commandeering public property, we should be informed. That is the job of journalism. On the other hand, if the organizers keep track of their planning and race day time and reimburse themselves at, say, $10 an hour plus meals and mileage, then donate the remainder to a bona fide charity (Salvation Army comes to mind), then I will rest content
PineyWoodsGuy
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 5:37 p.m.
@Tru2Blu76 Very Well Stated! An excellent summary of medical science and extreme distance running! All of us can benefit from a moderate jog, every day or so. But what happened on the streets of A2 today was "spectacle," not "sport." Lucky the temp today is mild; with "normal" June temps and that large a "pack" the stage would be set for cardiac events and worse. I've seen it. Now I say this seriously, why not apply for a Federal grant to study the metabolic changes over the course of a 26+ mile run? I know it has been done many times, but today we have advanced computer facilities and medicine can learn a lot from these skinny runners. A few months ago the Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) on North Campus "wired" several hundred A2 private automobiles to track their (the car's) metabolism. I tell ya, there are NIH grants for this sort of research.
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 4:46 p.m.
It will be interesting to see how many runners participated and how many spectators were involved. My prediction is that is was poorly attended and not many runners participated. More important, I'd like to see a breakdown of the exact amount of money taken in for this event by the for-profit business that organizes it, and the exact amount of money donated to charities.....and a list of which ones who received $.
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 2:25 p.m.
Can't wait to see all the cups lining the route for days after the race....
Taylor
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 6:11 p.m.
What is your problem with this event??
JRW
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
Is it over yet?
DjMagic
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
Reading these comments, it's easy to see why Ann Arborites get the reputation we have - so many of you sound like whiny children who are aghast at the prospect of enduring a minor and very brief inconvenience. Grow up, and deal with a few extra minutes in the car this morning - or better yet - stay home and do some house/yard work, or relax with your family, or read a book, or do anything that wouldn't subject you to the horrors of a few hours of re-routed traffic. It's events like a marathon that help put a city on a map, get wider recognition, etc, not to mention the positive economic impact. Hell, the Art Fairs, and football Saturdays, are far more of an inconvenience than this marathon. Let's be gracious hosts, Ann Arbor, not resentful, complaining ones.
Brad
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.
OK, I'm off to Brighton and will have to take the alternate route around the city on US23/M14. It will add another 20 minutes or so round trip for me today. But as long as the visitors are enjoying themselves ...
Urban Sombrero
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 3:39 a.m.
I admire marathon runners. One of my patients, who I saw this past week, is running. I think it's amazing that anyone can not only run that far but can enjoy doing it. Kudos to all the participants. I hear the people complaining about the street closures. But....it's ONE day. And, only for a few hours. It's not like when the Stadium bridge was closed! You can adapt, if only for a day. Again, cheers to all the participants. I wish I could run a fraction of the distance you do. Instead of a "26.2" sticker on my car, I need to put a "0.0 (I don't run)" one on mine.
Brad
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 12:17 p.m.
Sure I can adapt just like I do on football Saturdays, Art Fairs, DXAA run ... It's one MORE day is what the problem is. The other thing - they could run 26.2 miles in some other direction that doesn't clog up the town and it would STILL BE A MARATHON.
PineyWoodsGuy
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 1:02 a.m.
What organization is sponsoring the foot race? What is the entry fee x number of runners minus the wholesale cost of an "I Ran the A2 Marathon" T-shirt for each runner? Of the money left-over after paying for t-shirts, what will the organization do with the money? Will the police dept be paid by the organization? Inquiring minds would like to know. Or is this a City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation rodeo?
Taylor
Tue, Jun 11, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
Events like this cost much more money than just buying shirts! They police and emt's are paid, the city is paid, and the universtiy of michigan, rentals for expo space, staff that work for the organization, signs have to be made, publications have to be printed, none of this is easy! And on top of everything this organization helps charities fundraise! I think this is a great organization, and would love to see them go far!
Sawchuk
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 12:57 a.m.
The marathon is the oldest sport, second only to the sport of prostitution. The first marathon runner to run the distance was in about 400 years BC, and it was the very first olympic sport. To the best of my knowledge, there are about 300 marathons run in America annually, with millions of spectators. Marathon runners are the healthiest, most fit athletes in the world. Better tan 99% of marathoners do not get paid for their sport, yet are some of the happiest, well adjusted people in the world. I commend Ann Arbor for it's marathon, and although it competes with the long time Dexter/Ann Arbor run with schedule proximity, shows a lot of class by the city.
PineyWoodsGuy
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 3:33 a.m.
So-called "marathon running" is the equivalent of college kids in the 1920's swallowing goldfish. Another example is the "Dance until you Drop" events of the 1930's. Strictly a fad! I witnessed a runner collapse and die several years ago at a Traverse City "event." Concerning Pheidippides, the first marathoner, he ran the 40 km (25 miles; modern day 26 miles and 385 yards) from the battlefield at Marathon to Athens to announce the Greek victory over Persia in the Battle of Marathon (490 BC) and declared: "We have won," as stated by the Greek historian Lucian; then he collapsed and died. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pheidippides See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon
Ignatz
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 1:21 a.m.
The first marathoner, Pheidippides ion 490 BCE, didn't do it for sport. He also didn't live long to celebrate. At least that's how the legend goes. All subsequent marathons are in honor of him.
KateT
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 12:38 a.m.
Can I take north/west bound Packard, cross State and end up at Thompson and East William at 9:50 am? I can't tell from the map if I can cross State.
BernieP
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 3:19 a.m.
I'm guessing you're hosed. "State Street from West Madison Street to Eisenhower Parkway will be closed during the race. Southbound State Street from Hill Street to Eisenhower also will be closed, but northbound lanes will be open all morning."
BernieP
Sat, Jun 8, 2013 : 11:47 p.m.
We're going to wish we had that monorail on Sunday.
Urban Sombrero
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 3:41 a.m.
Monorail? Aw, it's not for you. It's more of a Shelbyville idea.
Brad
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 4:14 p.m.
Too bad for the Ann Arbor City Tennis Tournament which has matches at the Varsity Tennis Center on the portion of State St. that will be closed. But they've only been around for as long as I can remember versus a marathon that hasn't had its first birthday yet. But the tennis tournament is an event that caters mostly to people who already live here so it doesn't get any priority. Good job again city "leaders".
Brad
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 1:42 p.m.
You have it part right, Nicholas. Streets ARE for people ... driving cars. That's why they are streets and not sidewalks.
Nicholas Urfe
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 12:47 p.m.
@Brad: most cities have races and other events that close streets. Streets are for people, not cars.
Brad
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 12:14 p.m.
The tennis players I know have normal egos so they don't require any street closures and general inconveniencing of the residents for their event. Plus they are mostly residents and so have some sympathy for their neighbors. They realize that the town actually is not just one big event venue for entertaining outsiders for pretty much any reason that might eventually make us wind up on another silly top 10 list.
Nicholas Urfe
Sun, Jun 9, 2013 : 1 a.m.
Was the tennis tournament going to be played on state street proper? Or is the inability to drive your car on state street the concern?
Brad
Sat, Jun 8, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
@johnny - always the representative of the future of Ann Arbor I'd like to see avoided.
Brad
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 11:29 p.m.
That's why we love you, johnny :)
johnnya2
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 9:02 p.m.
And I am sure both the people who participate will be heartbroken.
smokeblwr
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 8:20 p.m.
How many people typically show up for the tennis tournament?
OLDTIMER3
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 2:03 p.m.
How do people without internet service get these street closure plans?I know several people who don't have internet or cell phones.
Homeland Conspiracy
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 5:23 p.m.
Smoke signals
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 3:16 p.m.
The same way people without a TV watch the football game?
J2
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
This article fails to mention that Geddes Rd. from Observatory to Huron Pkwy will also be closed. Glaring omission as that is a major thoroughfare. Second Ward councilor Jane Lumm did a masterful and effective job at getting race organizers to commit to a break in the race so that residents north of Geddes Rd. could exit their neighborhood and that the barriers would come down between 8:15 and 8:30. Thank you Ms. Lumm!
Brad
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.
Those of us in the 4th ward can only dream of that kind of representation.
a2citizen
Fri, Jun 7, 2013 : 10:24 a.m.
I don't mind the minor inconvenience of street closures for this event. A request to the organizers and participants: Can you please throw your plastic cups in the trash as you go along...not on the ground. Helpers, don't wait until after the race to pick up all the trash, plastic cups and litter. If you do this throughout the race our park system and neighborhoods won't look like garbage dumps. There is less litter on football Saturdays than there was last year. Thank-you, and have fun