Runners took to the streets this weekend as the Fort Lauderdale 13.1 Marathon and 10K carved its path through the heart of the city. The event, which took place on Sunday, January 7, saw numerous road closures and traffic delays from the break of dawn until mid-morning.
According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Seabreeze Boulevard and sections of North A1A were the main arteries affected by the event. With an estimated 2,000 participants hitting the pavement, city officials had warned of disruptions, advising motorists to prepare for deviations in their morning commute. Detours were in effect from 5:30 a.m., and were expected to remain, until around 11:00 a.m.
Specifics on the roadblocks indicated that for a brief stint between 6:15 a.m. and 6:30 a.m., southbound lanes of Seabreeze Boulevard from East Las Olas Boulevard to the Oasis turnaround were entirely closed off. This was part of a necessary shutdown to let the marathon commence. Following that, a counter-flow lane was set up along North A1A from the Bahia Mar Hotel to Sunrise Boulevard, with northbound lanes closed up to East Oakland Park Boulevard.
Event organizers preemptively placed message signboards throughout the race route, and the Police Department encouraged the public to follow their posts on @FtLauderdalePD, for real-time updates. "Any resident that lives north of Sunrise Boulevard and south of Northeast 30th Street will have to use Oakland Park Boulevard to return to their residences," the authorities had alerted, ensuring southbound lanes remained navigable for locals.
The Fort Lauderdale 13.1 Marathon and 10K is a staple in the community's calendar, bringing together competitors and spectators in a display of endurance, and community spirit.
