A record 10,000 participants are expected for the 32nd Brisbane Marathon this year, but the real race may be in getting to the starting line on time. A weekend track closure will halt trains to and from the city all day on Sunday, June 2. Roma Street, Central, Fortitude Valley, Bowen Hills, South Brisbane and South Bank stations are all affected. Brisbane Marathon competitors cross the Story Bridge, which will be closed from 4am to 11am on June 2. Rail buses will replace trains for the Beenleigh, Cleveland, Gold Coast and Ipswich lines. This, combined with road closures in the CBD, Kangaroo Point, New Farm, Teneriffe and the Story Bridge, has runners worried about traffic congestion on the day. Some runners are considering asking friends for a ride as the only viable option, which could potentially cause inner-city traffic and congestion.
There have been warnings from past participants to avoid certain areas that were heavily congested in previous years. One runner on Instagram advised avoiding the ramps from the M3 to Elizabeth St, sharing a personal experience of being stuck in traffic for nearly an hour and arriving to the race 20 minutes late. Timothy Muir of Manly West mentioned that his wife would drive him in to compete in the Half Marathon, which begins at 6am from Margaret Street in the CBD. He expressed concern for those who may assume they can take a train on the day of the race, only to find out that train services are disrupted. He suggested arriving in the city the night before and sleeping over to avoid any potential transportation issues on race day.
Event co-organiser Mark Laforest of Atlas Events acknowledged that the Brisbane Marathon would be “somewhat hindered” by the trackwork, but assured that entrants were being kept informed of their travel options. With the closure of several train stations and key roads, alternative transportation arrangements and routes were being communicated to participants to navigate the disruptions. Despite the challenges posed by the closures and potential traffic congestion, the event organizers are working to ensure a smooth experience for the thousands of runners expected to participate. The upcoming Brisbane Marathon is set to be a significant event for the running community, with a large number of participants gearing up to take on the challenge of the 32nd edition of the race.
In light of the disruptions caused by the track closure and road closures, runners are advised to plan their transportation in advance and consider alternative routes to ensure they arrive at the starting line on time. The closure of key train stations and roads in the CBD and surrounding areas could impact participants’ travel plans, leading to potential delays on race day. The use of rail buses to replace trains on certain lines adds an additional layer of complexity to the transportation arrangements for the event. Despite these challenges, event organizers are working to provide participants with the necessary information and support to navigate the disruptions and ensure a successful and enjoyable race experience for all involved.
The impact of the track closure and road closures on transportation for the Brisbane Marathon highlights the importance of thorough planning and communication for large-scale events. Participants are encouraged to stay informed about the disruptions and make appropriate arrangements to ensure they can reach the starting line on time. By considering alternative transportation options, avoiding congestion-prone areas, and planning their travel in advance, participants can minimize the potential impact of the closures on their race day experience. With the support of event organizers and fellow participants, runners can overcome the transportation challenges posed by the closures and focus on achieving their goals in the 32nd Brisbane Marathon.
