POCATELLO — The date has officially been set for the 24th Annual Pocatello Marathon, highlighting one of the Gate City’s premier running events.
Beginning at 6:15 a.m. and running until 12:45 p.m. on Aug. 31, approximately 900 participants will endeavor in a variety of running activities. Registration is still open and entrants can register online at pocatellomarathon.com or in person on Aug. 30 from noon until 8 p.m. at the Idaho State University ICCU Bengal Alumni Center. There will be no race day registration.
The 26.2-mile marathon begins on Buckskin Road and finishes at Lower Ross Park and entrants can enjoy a multitude of running activities that include a half marathon and a 10- and 5-kilometer run. Youth oriented runs will also be held for children 18 and under and 11 and under. Wheelchair and handcycle divisions are also included.
Traffic control measures are in place that include street closures, detours and congested areas or busy intersections. A Pocatello Sports Committee public service announcement has detailed the following recommendations for travel on the day of the marathon:
South Second Avenue from Ross Park Aquatic Complex north parking lot entrance/exit to the intersection of Kirkham Road and South Valley Connector will be closed to thru-traffic Saturday, Aug. 31, from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The Ross Park Aquatic Complex, Pocatello Zoo and event finish line will be accessible via South Second Avenue. Additional parking will be available in Ross Park. Watch for parking attendants at the parking lot north entrance directing traffic to the additional parking area.
Avoid South Fifth Avenue from South Valley Connector to North Fort Hall Mine Road from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane traffic. If going to the Bannock County Landfill, a suggested alternate route is Old Bannock Highway and West Portneuf Road.
Avoid I-15 Exit 63 (South Fifth and West Old Highway 91) from 7:30 a.m. until noon.
Old Highway 91 from North Fort Hall Mine Road to Inkom (Cement Road) will be closed to eastbound traffic. Only westbound traffic will be allowed from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. I-15 or West Portneuf Road are the suggested alternate route to and from Inkom.
Old Highway 91 will be quite congested with runners flow westbound from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. I-15 or West Portneuf Road are the suggested alternate route to and from Inkom.
Due to the narrow canyon roads and a number of runners on the road, spectators should please avoid driving on Buckskin, Hoot Owl, Rapid Creek, and Inkom roads.
There will be limited access — Busses only — on Inkom Road due to the half marathon start. Recommendation would be to take I-15 to Inkom (as eastbound traffic on Old Highway 91 will be closed) and watch at approximately mile 15 in downtown Inkom.
Cheer family and friends on and then move forward on the course via the westbound lane on Old Highway 91. Century High School is a great spot with plenty of grass area for kids to play as you wait, watch and cheer.
For those not running, organizers encourage spectators to line the racecourse to cheer on the runners and head to Lower Ross Park to enjoy race festivities.
For more information on the Pocatello Marathon, you can visit its website at pocatellomarathon.com or by email at pocatellorun@gmail.com .
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