Nearly 15,000 people are expected to take part in the 2015 Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon and related events on Sunday.
Organizers say the race has grown from humble beginnings in 1970 - when 38 competitors turned out for an event organized by a group of friends from the University of Washington - into the largest such race in the Northwest. It's also one of the 10 largest in the country.
The course starts on 5th Avenue, between Harrison and Broad streets. Entrants will travel through downtown streets, across the I-90 bridge, along the shores of Lake Washington and around Seward Park, through the Arboretum and back to the Seattle Center.
The event features a full marathon, a 13.1-mile half-marathon run, a half-marathon walk, a kids' race and a two-day fitness expo.
The first event, the marathon walk, begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by the half-marathon run at 7:30 a.m., the half-marathon walk at 7:45 a.m. and the marathon run at 8:15 a.m. The first runner is expected to finish by 8:45 a.m. (The kids race is held on Saturday)
Streets will be closed in many areas around the city. Expect delays along the course and be prepared to follow detours. COURSE MAP AND AFFECTED STREETS
I-5 Seattle:
- The southbound I-5 express lanes off-ramp to 5th Avenue/Columbia Street will be closed from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- The two left turn lanes to Fairview Avenue North from the northbound and southbound I-5 off-ramp to Mercer Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- The northbound I-5 off-ramp to Lakeview Boulevard will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I-90 Express Lanes:
- The I-90 express lanes will close at 5 a.m., then open westbound from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Seattle Seahawks football game. The lanes will open eastbound by 3 p.m.
