Drivers asked to plan ahead for St. Joseph Marathon

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Drivers in St. Joseph will need to plan ahead for Saturday as the St. Joseph Marathon brings hundreds of runners to city streets.

Road closures will affect portions of Francis Street, Fourth Street, Maple Leaf Parkway, Northwest Parkway, Northeast Parkway, Ashland Avenue, Noyes Street and Southwest Parkway.

Organizers said residents, along the marathon route have been given advance notice of the closures.

“About 10 days out from the race, we had volunteers led by Terra (James) and some of her running colleagues who took door hangers out and did the exact same thing. Instead of putting them in mailboxes, they put them on doors,” said Brett Esely, director of Development & St. Joseph Sports Commission.

The marathon begins at 7 a.m. Saturday. Sept. 26. Roads will reopen throughout the morning as runners clear the course.

The St. Joseph Sports Commission said the marathon will wrap up around 1 p.m.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use alternate routes.