New Bedford half marathon day: parking restrictions, marathon route, detours

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The City will host its 45th annual half marathon on St. Patrick’s Day this year.

The race begins on Pleasant Street by City Hall in the downtown district.

More than 2,000 runners will be participating in the 13.1-mile race beginning at 11:00 a.m.

This is a map of the half marathon route in New Bedford. (City of New Bedford)

This course includes two major hills, waterfront views, and hundreds of volunteers, including 125 New Bedford police officers and other medical personnel.

Parking will not be permitted along the race route.

The city will offer complimentary parking at the Elm Street and Zeiterion parking garages.

The route will also be closed to traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Officials are asking residents to accommodate parking and travel plans ahead of time.

They also request that people avoid Route 18 southbound from Union Street at the duration of the race.

There will be two alternative routes as listed:

• Rt. 195 Eastbound to Penniman Street exit to County to Parker to Cottage streets.
• Rt. 195 Westbound to Downtown exit to Route 18 Southbound to Route 6 exit (Downtown) to
  Mill Street to Cottage Street.

The Southeast Regional Transit Authority also announced that on this day the downtown terminal will be closed and all routes will detour to MacArthur Drive and Union Street for the day.

For further information on the race visit the New Bedford Half Marathon website.