Race for the Cure is back: what to know
After two years of virtual events due to the pandemic, the Susan G. Komen Columbus Race for the Cure is back in person for its 30th anniversary.
Around 6,368 participants have registered for Saturday’s event, according to race director Alyssa Petrella.
The 5K walk and run begins at 8:30 a.m., while the family fun walk starts at 8:45 a.m.
Participants will start at the North Bank Park pavilion on Long Street near Spring Street, walk or run throughout Downtown and then finish on Spring Street near Neil Avenue. After the event, Race for the Cure is hosting a block party at North Bank Park.
“We’re really excited to be coming back with a bang,” Petrella said. “We’re seeing such a great turnout, and we’re excited to see the Columbus community rallying around this return.”
Here’s a guide on what to expect on race day, from what roads will be closed to suggestions on where to park.
Registration still open
Online registration for the race is open until Friday at noon, Petrella said. However, people are still able to sign up Saturday beginning at 6:30 a.m. Registration for the event is $40, or $30 for youth runners.
Parking on race day
Several parking garages and lots will be available in the Arena District. Some of those places include:
● Mcconnell Garage, 355 John H. Mcconnell Blvd.
● Front Street Garage, 102 N. Front St.
● Chestnut Street Garage, 44 E. Chestnut St.
● Marconi Garage, 245 Marconi Blvd.
● Arena Crossing Garage: 423 N. Front St.
● Neil Avenue Garage: 1801 Neil Ave.
Road closures
Drivers can expect to experience road closures around the race route on Saturday from 2 a.m.-12 p.m. Petrella said. They are:
● Long Street will be closed between High Street to the east and Hocking Street to the west.
● Spring Street will be closed from West Street to the east, and Hocking Street to the west.
● Neil Avenue will be closed from Nationwide Boulevard on the north to the combined start/finish line to the south.
Then a rolling closure of the course route begins at 8:15 a.m., with most roads reopening by 10:30 a.m., Petrella said.
Changes to COTA routes
The Central Ohio Transit Authority is rerouting several lines Friday to prepare for Race for the Cure.
According to a news release, lines 71, 72 and 73 will be rerouted Friday at 9 a.m. as race organizers prepare for the event. On Saturday morning, the race will reroute lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 10, 11, 12 and 102, as well as the CMAX and zoo bus in the Downtown area beginning at 5 a.m.
This will close many transit lines on north and south High Street, Rich Street, Town Street, West Broad Street, Long Street and Nationwide Boulevard. Customers should expect significant delays until 12 p.m. Saturday.
mwalker@dispatch.com