Minor traffic delays are possible Saturday morning in Oak Ridge during the Secret City Half Marathon and 5K.
Race Director Hannah Fatheree expects nearly 1,000 runners and walkers on city streets and greenways during the family-friendly events.
“Motorists should also be aware of the early morning course preparations,” a press release said. “While the races start at 9 a.m., there will be volunteers setting out cones along the course as early as 6 a.m. The Oak Ridge Police Department will be out in force directing and stopping traffic where and when needed. While no roads will be shut down due to the race traffic, motorists should expect some minor delays due to runners crossing streets on Melton Lake Drive and Emory Valley Road. Motorists are asked to take it slow in these areas and be mindful of the race participants.”
See below for the race routes and also visit the Secret City Half Marathon website at www.SecretCityHalfMarathon.com for a map of both routes.
The half marathon and 5K both start and finish at the Melton Lake Peninsula.
The half marathon route (13.1 miles):
- South from the peninsula onto Melton Lake Drive, turning right onto Union Valley Road, then right onto Illinois Avenue.
- Illinois Avenue merging right onto Lafayette Drive, then right onto Emory Valley Road.
- Emory Valley Road, turning right onto Briarcliff Avenue, then left onto South Columbia Avenue.
- South Columbia turning left back onto Emory Valley Road, then right onto Briarcliff Avenue.
- Briarcliff Avenue merging right onto Laboratory Road, then merging right onto the Oak Ridge Turnpike.
- Oak Ridge Turnpike turning right onto Fairbanks Road, then left onto Warehouse Road.
- Warehouse Road turning right onto Melton Lake Drive, then left back into the Melton Lake peninsula.
The 5K route (3.1 miles):
- North from the peninsula onto Melton Lake Drive turning right onto Oak Ridge Turnpike.
- Immediate right into Elza Gate Park, then backs down Melton Lake Drive greenway.
For more information about the races and online registration, visit www.SecretCityHalfMarathon.com.
“Friends, family, and community members are welcome to attend and cheer on the racers along the routes,” the press release said.
The Secret City Half Marathon and 5K will kick off at 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 11. Online registration for the races will close on Nov. 9, with an increase in registration fees set for October 31. However, those interested in participating may still do so in person on site the day of the race.
Proceeds from the Secret City Half Marathon will support Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care placement, a press release said.
“This event aligns perfectly with Explore Oak Ridge’s commitment to making a meaningful impact, not just through running but also by giving back to the Oak Ridge community,” the press release said.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Many news stories on Oak Ridge Today are free, brought to you by Oak Ridge Today with help from our advertisers, contributors, and subscribers. This is a free story. Thank you to our advertisers, contributors, and subscribers. You can see what we cover here.
Do you appreciate this story or our work in general? If so, please consider a monthly subscription to Oak Ridge Today. See our Subscribe page here. Thank you for reading Oak Ridge Today!
Alternatively, you can donate to support our work here. Thank you for your support!
Copyright 2024 Oak Ridge Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Leave a Reply