SE North Carolina News

Approximately 4,000 runners are set to participate in the Novant Health Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K on Saturday, Feb. 24, causing traffic disruptions in Wilmington. The race will kick off at 6:30 a.m. at Johnnie Mercers Pier in Wrightsville Beach and will proceed down Eastwood Road in the opposite lane of traffic to MLK Parkway, culminating at Riverfront Park around 1 p.m.

According to the event organizers, drivers should anticipate detours and barricades along the race route. The traffic delays will occur progressively from east to west throughout the morning, affecting various areas at different times. Wrightsville Beach and Eastwood Road will experience disruptions until 8 a.m., followed by MLK Parkway to northern downtown until 9:30 a.m. Greenfield Lake, with Third Street completely closed at Greenfield Lake, will be impacted until noon, while Front/Nutt/Hanover streets will have delays and closures until 1 p.m.

In downtown, South Front & Greenfield Lake, several road and lane closures will be in effect, including Southbound Front St between 3rd St & Red Cross St, Red Cross St between Front St & Water St, and Water St between Red Cross St & Walnut St. Other closures and controlled access points are outlined for various streets in the vicinity to facilitate the smooth running of the event.

Drivers are advised to plan their routes accordingly and be prepared for delays and diversions on the day of the marathon. The full race route map is available for reference to help navigate around the affected areas.

The Novant Health Marathon promises to be an exciting event for participants and spectators alike, but residents and commuters are urged to exercise patience and caution while the race is in progress.