Alexandria Half Marathon Brings New Route: See Road Closures, Parking Restrictions

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The streets of Old Town Alexandria will be filled with runners Sunday as the PNC Alexandria Half Marathon returns with a new name and route. Residents should be aware of various road closures on race day.

The PNC Alexandria Half Marathon on Sunday, April 27 was formerly known as the Parkway Classic and dates back to 1984. The new 13.1-mile route replaces the 10-miler, taking runners through Old Town and down the George Washington Parkway. There is also a 5K, which equates to just over 3 miles. Thousands of runners and spectators from the DC region and beyond turn out to this race, hosted by Pacers Running and sponsored by PNC Bank.

The half marathon and 5K will start on King Street in front of City Hall and finish on N Union Street. After the adult race, a 600-meter Kids Dash sponsored by The Kidz Doc will be held at 10:30 a.m. for children under 12.

After the race, adult participants 21 and over can enjoy a beer garden from Port City Brewing Co. Participants will receive a technical race tee, a finisher medal, a free photo booth, and chip-timed results. Kids will receive a medal and treat after the race.

The race has raised funds for different organizations over the years. This year's sole recipient is the Dunbar Alexandria- Olympic Boys + Girls Club, which provides youth programs to children in the city.

Alexandria Police said all City of Alexandria roads on the race route will close by 5:30 a.m. Saturday and remain closed until about noon after all participants have exited the course. Closures include:

• The 200 to 400 blocks of King Street will be closed from 2 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• The 100 blocks of South and North Royal Street will be closed from approximately 2 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• The 100 block of South to 300 North Fairfax Street will be closed from approximately 2 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• The 300th block of Cameron Street will be closed from approximately 2 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Pendleton Street from N. Fairfax to Union to Oronoco Street will be closed from 3 a.m. until approximately noon.
• Southbound traffic on South Washington Street starting at the intersection with Jefferson St. will be closed beginning at 5:30 a.m. until runners leave the course. A flagging operation will allow resident access when runners are not actively present.
• Northbound traffic on Washington Street will remain open from the intersection with Prince Street.

No parking zones will also be marked in advance of the half marathon, and towing enforcement will begin at midnight on April 27. The no parking zones include:

• King Street from S Royal Street to Lee Street
• N Fairfax Street from King Street to Queen Street
• N Royal Street from King Street to Cameron Street
• Cameron from N Fairfax Street to N Royal Street
• Union Street from Queen Street to Oronoco Street
• N Union Street from Oronoco Street to Pendleton Street
• Pendleton Street from Fairfax Street to Union Street
• Madison Street from the East side of the Mount Vernon Trail access to Fairfax Street
• South row of parking lot located at 700 N Fairfax Building
• S Washington Street from Church Street to Jefferson Street
• Green St from S Saint Asaph Street and S Pitt Street
• Green St from S Fairfax Street to Lee Street

Police noted the 100 block of N Payne Street in front of Pacers Running store will have reserved parking for packet pickup on from 9 a.m. on April 24 at 7 p.m. on April 26.

Online signups for the Alexandria Half Marathon are available through 5 p.m. on April 26. For more information, visit www.alexandriahalf.com.