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Be prepared for the running hordes

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By BRIAN CHRISTOPHERSON / Lincoln Journal Star

Saturday, May 05, 2007 - 12:46:01 am CDT

Beware the short shorts.

Your routine trek to Sunday morning church, brunch or work could meet a roadblock of the ambitious.

With Sunday morning’s Lincoln Marathon comes a record number of runners — 5,200 — clogging streets.

Story Photo
A crowd of runners take over 16th street as they pass the one-mile mark of the Lincoln Marathon on May 7, 2006. Almost 3,000 people finished the 29th Annual race. (LJS file)

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Lincoln Marathon map

With Sunday morning’s Lincoln Marathon comes a record number of runners - 5,200 - clogging streets. ...

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Lincoln Track Club
When to expect runners
LocationRunners arrive
South & Sheridan7:14 to 7:32 a.m.
48th & Nebraska 27:31 to 8:05 a.m.
20th & Van Dorn7:47 to 8:45 a.m.
Capitol Parkway & J8:20 to 10:30 a.m.
70th & Normal8:45 to 11:15 a.m.
Half Marathon finish8:05 to 10:00 a.m.
Full Marathon finish9:15 to 1:00 p.m.
(Both half and full marathon runners finish at 14th & Vine)

Where to watch
  • 14th & Vine: Race starts and ends here, in front of NU Coliseum. Runners take their marks at 7 a.m.
  • 16th and K: It only takes the runners one mile to make it here, passing the Capitol. They come this way again near the end of the marathon.
  • Sheridan Blvd.: The race course takes up this Lincoln street for two miles, as runners travel past churches and houses.
  • 20th street (Nebraska 2 to Van Dorn): Runners take on a hill at this point around Lincoln Country Club. The race is nine miles old and encouragement from spectators couldn’t hurt.
  • 10th street: The street takes up almost three miles of the race course. Runners of the half marathon will be almost home at this point.
  • Normal Blvd.: Runners traverse past Antelope Park twice, first on their way to Holmes Park and then on their return to the finish line.
  • Holmes Park: Coming here to support would be welcome. Runners will be nearing the 20-mile mark, known in more frightening speak as “the wall.”
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This can make getting to church a bit more trying, especially if your church sits right off Mile Marker 3.

Such is the locale of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2110 Sheridan Blvd.

Every year on marathon Sunday, the Rev. Andrew McDonald will look out and catch the sheepish looks of latecomers. Never fails.

“We just kind of smile and laugh about it,” McDonald says.

They’ve put out marathon warnings in recent bulletins and the last church newsletter, but the route always tricks a few.

“The marathon being in front of the church, that’s not a big hassle,” McDonald says. “It’s the people from around town who forget it’s marathon day and have to, all of a sudden, find a different route that it can affect.”

To avoid stumbling into the pew during the third verse of “How Great Thou Art,” here’s some Sunday morning traveling info, aided by Lincoln police Sgt. Dan Schmidt:

* Don’t assume the marathon misses you just because you’re not going near the UNL campus.

“We’re essentially cutting the city off from 16th and Vine all the way out to to 70th and Holmes Lake Drive,” Schmidt said.

* The marathon starts at 14th and Vine, outside the Nebraska Coliseum, at 7 a.m. Take heed of potential lengthy roadblocks until 8.

“The bulk of the pack can be together for a good 45 minutes to an hour,” Schmidt said. “People can be held up at intersections for an extended period of time when those bulk of runners are coming through.”

* No major streets are completely blocked off because of the race.

Officers try to keep at least one lane open on each street, allowing as many cars as possible to cross at intersections when runners are not around.

“People just need to remember to drive around the cones,” Schmidt said. “Don’t try to cross over the coned area to make turns at the intersection, and you need to watch your speed when these runners are out there.”

* Nebraska 2 is a good road to take around the mayhem. For the most part, so is 70th, and definitely 84th.

Not so much for popular streets like Capitol Parkway, Normal and Sheridan boulevards. Travel on those roads has high likelihood of meeting a pack of white thighs.

* Traffic detail for the event is no small undertaking for the Lincoln Police Department.

Schmidt estimated 50 officers would assist with marathon traffic, about 20 of whom are being called in from off-duty.

“People become impatient if they have to wait very long,” Schmidt said. “We just ask people to enjoy the runners as they go by and know that they could be held up.”

Reach Brian Christopherson at 473-7438 or bchristopherson@journalstar.com.


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Cole wrote on May 5, 2007 9:22 am:
" The health benefits of running long distances and the fortitude of those who train for these events is to be applauded. But this yearly Sunday hassle it causes the city and the rest of us is rediculous and unjustified. I'm impressed if you can run these long distances. I'll read news stories about it and marvel at the accomplishments, but why insist on parading these activities in the middle of a metropolitan area? The Farmer's Market, BBQ Festival and numerous other city events provide activities for everyone and are positive. However, people running for hours, other people watching people running for hours and cutting the city traffic arteries in half causing major delays just doesn't stand to reason. The city lauds its miles and miles of bike and fitness trails - why not use them? If the trails are too thin, simply start runners in groups and time the departures. People can still watch, the city doesn't have to pay for extra police and thousands of us who want to go to church and do other things on our Sabbath can do so in peace. "

 Rex wrote on May 5, 2007 1:43 pm:
" I agree with Cole. Why no run them out West "O" to Colo!! This always reminds me of children wanting the center of attention! "

 John wrote on May 5, 2007 3:03 pm:
" My former city has their Mini-Marathon on Saturday. It brings people running or watch to the city to shop and eat out, and respects Sunday in honor and to worship the Lord on the LORD'S DAY. But only in Lincoln does the Lord come second, and their whims & desires are FIRST!!! And the city wonders why there is crime, selfishness, snottyness, rudeness and the national image of disrespect!! Well they promote blasphemers, haughtyness, covetous, braggers, lovers of pleasure and contradicting the power of the Word!! Plainly, the city is threating the Sabbath and selfishness dominates the church. The Bible warns, these "perilous times would come." "

 Matt wrote on May 5, 2007 3:38 pm:
" You have a problem with yourself if you can't relax about a little delay, on a Sunday no less. Feel free to be inspired join in yourself next year. "

 ONE DAY A YEAR wrote on May 5, 2007 3:50 pm:
" Oh for pity's sake, people, it happens ONE day a year - stop complaining. There are plenty of resources available EVEN ON THIS WEB PAGE to avoid delays and to know where the runners will be. I applaud the City for bringing people from all across the U.S. for this event and I applaud the runners - Good luck! And, believe it or not, not EVERYBODY believes in God - Saturdays are also a Holy Day for some religions, and some people might not even care if Sunday is considered the Lord's Day. Plus, there are plenty of people out there who participate in some form of religion but have also committed crimes. You can't blame crime in Lincoln on the lack of religion. (Oh, and "rediculous" is NOT how it's spelled - try "ridiculous.") "

 Karina wrote on May 5, 2007 4:05 pm:
" A couple of comments – first, I’d like to thank Cole for his good wishes. He’s correct that running the marathon takes lots of training, and I certainly agree that there are many other positive activities such as the Farmer’s Market. The marathon also is for everyone, and lots of people I know are planning to cheer along the course even though they are not running. The trail system is great, and I’ve utilized it for many of my training runs. Judging by the many people I see on the trail on Saturday mornings, so do lots of other Lincolnites. However, there are a couple of problems with having most of the race on the trails (although there is a section of several miles along Highway 2 that is only on the trail and not on the street). One problem is how many people run the race, as Cole mentioned. The amount of time that starts would have to be staggered to have five THOUSAND people fit on the trails would be an immense amount of time, and would result in an inconvenience for much longer than the 6 hours currently planned, since with the current system all streets open again at 1:00. In addition, there would still be a need for police assistance, since the trails cross many of the main streets of Lincoln. For example, the Rock Island trail headed south crosses Capital Parkway, A St., South St., Calvert, Hwy 2, Essex, and Old Cheney. Traffic would be stopped at all of these intersections, and for a very long time, since runners would be so spread out. To John: I only hope that you are not serious in your comments. You can still get to church, just plan on leaving 15 minutes earlier than usual. Also, Sunday is ONLY the Lord’s Day for 1/3 of the world population. Many people may not share your views on religion, and while you are certainly welcome to your own views, please don’t try to impose them on me. To Rex: If you don’t want to be part of the city you live in and at least tolerate city-wide events, which bring in thousands of people from other parts of the country, why don’t you move out West “O” to Colo? "

 I know wrote on May 5, 2007 6:00 pm:
" that Lincoln is NOT the land of the whiners and complainers, I just know it! "

 ex Linconite wrote on May 5, 2007 7:20 pm:
" From what I saw on my last trip to Lincoln I'm amazed there are enough fit people in the town to hold a marathon. Rather than complain about the hassles this causes get out of your car and participate! The Marathon is an activity that is a positive draw for Lincoln. You all complain about brain drain, well give up your streets for one day to provide an activity that attracts productive people to Lincoln. "

 Sunday runner and worshipper wrote on May 5, 2007 8:28 pm:
" It is possible to run a marathon on Sunday and still keep the Sabbath Day. I have done it several times and never felt as though I put the Lord second. I pray to Him the whole time to help me make it to the end! "

 Cole - as in Slaw? wrote on May 5, 2007 10:13 pm:
" Come on... you are saying it's OK to block off downtown streets for four days for BBQ, and entire area every weekend, but blocking off a few streets (and not CLOSING any) is bad? Give me a break!! The tax revenue that comes in from the 5200 people is wonderful, although I suppose a heart bypass or two from people that eat too much barbecue brings more money in. If you don't like it stay home or find a church in the eastern part of town to go to. "

 Huh wrote on May 5, 2007 10:40 pm:
" Guess what, which came first, the Sabbath or mini-marathons?? Hows come the Sabbath must always take the back seat? Always funny how when somebody gets deathly sick or their loved one passes away, THEN they run to God. Church was here first, on Sunday, why didn't they have the marathon on Saturday. Same reason religion has been thrown out of everything. Some people are blind and some are - - well - - we'll find out one day won't we?? "

 Non-issue wrote on May 6, 2007 12:31 am:
" The issue of running the Lincoln Marathon on Sunday, and this somehow being disrespectful to the Lord, is a non-issue as the biblical Sabbath is on Saturday. It is a well recognized and documented fact that Sabbath observance was gradually changed from the seventh day of the week (Saturday) to the first day (Sunday) during the Roman Empire due to anti-Jewish bias and to accommodate the Pagans. This has been acknowledged by nearly all religious denominations at some point in history and is chronicled in vast legions of history books. While I think it's great that John chooses to worship, he may want to study his history books before berating people for not complying with his version of the Lord's day. "

 Unimpressed wrote on May 6, 2007 9:22 am:
" I am very disgusted that a large portion of south central Lincoln is blocked off for the race. After working a 13 hour night shift, it took me an extra 30 minutes to try to find a way to get home. I finally had to stop an ask a police officer how I could get home because every route I had tried was blocked. I feel sorry for anyone with a medical emergency because they will have one hell of a time finding a route to get them to a hospital. "

 Thank you wrote on May 6, 2007 2:10 pm:
" Thanks to the National Guard for sponsoring the Marathon. It does bring lots of people to Lincoln from all over the country. That is a great thing! God Bless the runners and the complainers! :) "

 Hehe wrote on May 6, 2007 8:23 pm:
" Now here this, "Non-issue" has just declared every church in the nation who has worshipped every Sunday since the Roman Empire MUST CHANGE and worship on Saturday so "Non- issue" can run run run run run!! Isn't it amazing how ONE person in this world is so smart!!?? Oh well there was only 2 or 3 in this nation that goes to church on Sunday, their Sabbath anyway for 100s of years!! "

 Pitty wrote on May 17, 2007 6:12 pm:
" Its a pitty this event brings so many to complain. Its 1 day a year. So is the shopping the day after thanksgiving and how about every NU football game that's home, the cornhusker state games, the torch run, etc etc etc. If we as Americans weren't in a hurry so much then it wouldn't be an issue. Take a deep breath, you know when it is, you know the route, deal with it. Secondly - when I ran it a couple times, once I went to church the night before and the other year I went home, showered, and went to church right after. Thank to Lord for the ability to compete! "

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