The 2009 P.F. Chang Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon is finally here. For those who have been diligently training for the big party race, you have a really good idea of where you will be and what you are doing Sunday morning. From all that I’ve read, this year’s event is bigger and better than ever before. A more scenic route. Live bands every mile. Fun. Fraternity. And all in a location with gorgeous winter weather, with an average temperature at the start of 40F rising to 65 degrees at the finish!
A Few Fun Facts about the P.F. Chang Marathon
- The combined marathon / half marathon is the largest running event in the United States – 34,000 runners and walkers will participate
- 70 bands, 5,000 volunteers and 40 cheer squads will line the course, competing for spirit recognition
- Traffic delays are expected to rival those for the Fiesta Bowl
- $5M will be raised for charities
If you are not running and have any plans to be out and about on Sunday, you definitely need to know about the race, because there will be:
Traffic Restrictions
Yes, there will be traffic restrictions and road closures. If you take a look a the course map, you’ll see the Half Marathon takes a pretty straight shot from downtown Phoenix to the finish line in Tempe, via McDowell to 44th Street to Van Buren to Mill to the Rio Salado, finishing up just before Scottsdale Road.
The full marathon takes a much broader course heading north on 7th Avenue to Missouri, dropping down to Camelback and then taking jog down 44th Street to Oak before heading north back to Indian School Road. The race will impact both Scottsdale and Hayden Roads as it heads to Tempe for the big finish.
Light rail and bus service will be impacted, too.
Race management has published a brochure that outlines closures and suggests alternate routes. It will be best to plan ahead, if you need to travel in the area.
Major Road Closures in Scottsdale
Major Scottsdale streets affected include:
- Eastbound closure of Indian School Road from Scottsdale’s western boundary to Goldwater Boulevard
- Southbound closure of Goldwater south to its intersection with Scottsdale Road
- Complete closure of Main Street from Goldwater Boulevard to Marshall Way
- Complete closure of Marshall Way between Main Street and Goldwater Boulevard
- Southbound closure of Scottsdale Road from its intersection with Goldwater Boulevard south to McDowell Road
- Eastbound closure of McDowell from Scottsdale Road east to Hayden Road
- Southbound closure of Hayden Road from McDowell south to the Tempe city line
For more information on the races, call (800) 311-1255 or visit the official P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon web site.
If you are running the marathon, I applaud you, and if you are visiting our sunny state, “Welcome!”
