First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon: Lane Closings Set

SARASOTA, FL — With the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay set to race into town Sunday, motorists can expect a few local lane closings to accommodate participants.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, the event begins bright and early March 19 with a 5:30 a.m. race day packet pickup at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail. The race starts at 6:45 a.m. and is expected to wrap up by 11.

To make way for runners who will begin and end their treks at the Van Wezel, the police department plans to enforce temporary lane closings in the following areas:

• Southbound U.S. 41 from University Parkway to Gulfstream Avenue
• Westbound University Parkway at U.S. 41
• Gulfstream Avenue/John Ringling Boulevard at U.S. 41
• Westbound Ringling from U.S. 41 to St. Armand’s Circle
• Eastbound Ringling from St. Armand’s Circle to Bayfront Drive
• Southbound U.S. 41 from Gulfstream Avenue (beach traffic will be directed into one lane for westbound turns)
• Northbound U.S. 41 and Gulfstream (One lane for beach traffic. The second turn lane will be closed. Both northbound U.S. 41 lanes will stay open).
• Southbound John Ringling Parkway will be detoured around St. Armand’s Circle

Boaters who intend to use the 10th Street Boat Ramp on Sunday are being encouraged to use the Ken Thompson Parkway launch instead to avoid race traffic.

“Drivers, residents and spectators are asked to have patience before, during and after the race with temporary lane closures,” an email from the police department said. “Drivers are urged to use caution during the event. Drivers can expect delays due to temporary lane closures and the increase of traffic volume during the late morning hours.”

For more information about the event, visit the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon website.

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