Runners Advised to Pick Up Race Packets Early

Grandma's Marathon Runners Asked to Pick Up Race Packets Early

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About 18,000 runners from nearly 50 countries will take part in Grandma’s Marathon this weekend which will bring in lots of fun and energy along with traffic and crowds.

To cut down on some of the congestion, Grandma’s organizers suggest local runners pick up their race packet Thursday instead of Friday.

With the spaghetti feed, people coming into town off the highway and the William A. Irvin 5k all happening on Friday it’s expected to be pretty busy in Canal Park from late afternoon to early evening.

Thursday however, will be a lot less hectic.

“It’s a good chance to get the first picking at the shoes and the merchandise,” Grandma’s Marathon public relations director Bob Gustafson said. “Get to see some of the vendors when it’s a little bit of a slower environment when they don’t have to, to come down on Friday.”

Parts of Railroad Street and Harbor Drive will be closed so race officials advise drivers to plan for detours and extra travel time.

You can pick up your race packet at Palucci Hall inside the DECC Thursday from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Friday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.