The streets of Long Beach will once more become the tracks for runners as the Long Beach Marathon returns for its 40th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 6. The event, which will kick off a weekend of activity starting Friday, Oct. 4, is set to impact traffic and transit through the area, with street closures and detours expected for the duration of the marathon, as reported by the City of Long Beach. Residents and visitors alike are advised to prepare adequately by planning alternative travel routes and allowing extra time to navigate through the city during these disruptions.
According to the City of Long Beach, the street closures will mainly be implemented on a rolling basis from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. However, some closures, such as the eastbound and westbound Shoreline Drive, will begin the day before the event. Thoroughfares such as Ocean Boulevard, Pine Avenue, and the Queensway Bridge are among those expected to temporarily close to accommodate the marathon route.
Residents of neighborhoods like Belmont Shore, the Peninsula, and Naples will need to heed posted "no parking" signs along the racecourse to avoid ticketing and potential towing to the tow yard at 3111 E. Willow St. Vehicles found in violation will be moved at the owner's cost. To alleviate parking issues for locals, free parking has been arranged for the affected areas in the beach lots along Ocean Boulevard from Saturday night through Sunday.
To assist the residents in navigating these changes, the city has provided a detailed map showing access points and information on entering and exiting the impacted neighborhoods. This can be found alongside other pertinent marathon details on the Long Beach Marathon's dedicated community relations webpage. Those needing to travel by boat on Sunday can still find parking at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, accessed via Pine Avenue, with entry expected to be controlled by law enforcement during the marathon to ensure safety and order during the event.
For more detailed information about the marathon events or for any media inquiries, Tasha Day, Manager of the Office of Special Events and Filming, can be contacted at 562.570.5313 or via email at [email protected].
