First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon Races Into Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL – As runners in the sold-out First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon race through town Sunday to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, area motorists need to be aware of a few planned lane closings.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, a number of roads will have lanes temporarily off limits due to the event. The marathon kicks off with race day packet pickup at 5:30 a.m. March 13 with runners hitting the road at 6:45 a.m. The anticipated end time of the half marathon is 10:30 a.m. The start and finish line are at the Ven Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Trail.

Temporary lane closings are planned for:

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

The police department also says boaters with plans to use the 10th Street Boat Ramp on Sunday may want to use the Ken Thompson Parkway launch area instead to avoid race traffic.

“Drivers, residents and spectators are asked to have patience before, during and after the race with temporary lane closures,” the agency noted in an email to media. “Drivers are urged to use caution during the event.”

Motorists should plan for delays throughout the race area. Police officers and volunteers will be posted throughout the route to help motorists and residents in congested areas and to ensure the safety of participants.

To find out more about the half marathon, visit its website.

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