Beginning at 7 a.m. today (Sunday, Sept. 29), the second-annual Surrey International World Music Marathon, presented by Central City, will take place, welcoming 3,000 runners to the streets of Surrey.
Local residents, participants, supporters, and visitors destined for Central City Shopping Centre and the downtown business core are advised that road closures, restricted access and traffic disruptions in the area will begin at 6 a.m. and continue until approximately 2 p.m. Vehicle access to and from local residences will also be impacted during this time.
This year’s marathon starts and finishes at Central City on University Boulevard and 102 Avenue, and will see a change in route from the inaugural event in 2012.
The new course, which includes over 10 kilometres of scenic roads winding through the Green Timbers Urban Forest, will specifically impact the Whalley area from Central City to the top of University Boulevard at 108 Avenue, over to 132 Street, and all the way down to 90 Avenue. King George Boulevard from 88 Avenue to 96 Avenue will also be closed, as will all of Green Timbers.
The new route also features 34 “Cultural Music Miles,” showcasing an array of musical, dance, and artistic performances in celebration of Surrey’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors and residents are invited to join in the festivities and cheer on runners as they make their way along the route.
Parking:
If you are driving to the marathon, give yourself extra time to find parking around the staging area. Be aware that marked “no parking zones” will be in effect between 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29. Any vehicles parked in a “no parking zone” during that period will be towed at the owner’s expense to the UNITOW yard.
Approximately 3,000 runners plus volunteers, friends, and family are anticipated to attend the Surrey Marathon; there will not be enough parking to accommodate all vehicles, and attendees are encouraged to use the SkyTrain Park-and-Ride, which has over 1,500 spaces and is a four-minute SkyTrain ride from the Marathon.
Transit:
For those arriving by public transit, note that transit will be operating on a regular Sunday schedule and the SkyTrain will not be running at the start of the marathon. To accommodate Full and Half Marathon runners, TransLink will be running a shuttle bus between the Scott Road Station and the Surrey Central Station every 10 minutes beginning at 6 a.m. Shuttle service will end when the SkyTrain begins running. Attendees should note that a one-zone fare is $2.75.
For transit information, including alternate routes, fares, and schedules, visit www.translink.ca or call 604-953-3333.
Major transit routes:
• From Surrey: The new 96 B-Line route first arrives at Surrey Central Station at 5:16 a.m.; it runs all day, every 15 minutes from Guildford Exchange to Newton Exchange. Early morning buses include: 320, 321, 323, 337.
• From North of the Fraser (Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Tri-Cities, North Shore):The first SkyTrain bound for Surrey from Waterfront Station leaves at 7:50 a.m., with some early trains leaving Edmonds Station in Burnaby at 7:22 a.m. The 321 Bus from new Westminster Station leaves at 6:51 a.m. and 7:15 a.m.
• From Langley: The first 502 Bus leaves Langley Centre at 6 a.m. and arrives at Surrey Central at 6:35 a.m., running all day at 15-minute intervals.
Cycling:
Access to the marathon is also available through excellent bike routes leading to Central City. There are dedicated cycling lanes on 132 Street, King George Boulevard, Fraser Highway, and 100 Avenue. Cyclists can also use the sidewalk of the Pattullo Bridge. Bike racks will be located by the entrance to Surrey Central Station, and just outside the Blenz Coffee in Central City.
Road closures:
For a full list of road closures visit www.surreymarathon.com and click the “Special Event Traffic Advisory - Road Closures” link to see how you could be impacted during the event.
This one-day event includes a Full and Half Marathon, Mayor’s 5K Run/Walk, Century Group Kids Fun Run and Prospera Credit Union Relay Race.