Sarasota Half-Marathon To Cause Delays

Drivers are encouraged to use caution if driving, or to avoid the area during the First Watch Sarasota Half Maraton, during the anticipated congestion time.

The Sarasota Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012.  

This run will include a Half-Marathon only. The run will begin at 7:00 A.M. from the Van Wezel parking lot and follow a route south to Gulfstream Avenue, west over the Ringling Bridge ending with the turnaround on St. Armands Circle, returning east to the mainland and back to US 41 North to University Parkway.

The event will end at approximately noon.

Because there will be runners sharing the roadway along this route, there will be temporary lane closures at the following locations:

1.                 Southbound US 41 from University Parkway to Gulfstream Avenue.

2.                 Westbound University Parkway at US 41.

3.                 Gulfstream Avenue/John Ringling Blvd at US 41.

4.                 Westbound John Ringling from US 41 to St. Armands Circle.

5.                 Eastbound John Ringling from St. Armands Circle to Bayfront Drive.

6.                 At Southbound US 41 and Gulfstream, beach traffic will be directed into one (1) lane for westbound turns.

7.                 At Northbound US 41 at Gulfstream Avenue, there will be only one (1) turn lane for beach traffic.  The second turn lane will be closed.  Both Northbound US 41 lanes will remain open to traffic.

The marathon will cause intermittent delays in public access to the Centennial Park (also known as the 10th Street) boat ramp, 1059 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Boaters are encouraged instead to use the boat ramp located at Ken Thompson Park, 1700 Ken Thompson Parkway, Lido Key.

Drivers are urged to use caution during the hours of this event.  Drivers can expect some delays due to the temporary lane closures and the increase of traffic volume during late morning hours.

Police officers and volunteers will be on post along the route to assist motorists in congested areas and to ensure the safety of the Half Marathon participants.