April 15--The Naperville Women's Half Marathon and 5K, making its debut next weekend, will require temporary traffic detours and road closures April 24 along its route through residential neighborhoods, downtown Naperville and the North Central College campus.
Road closures will begin at about 6:30 a.m. to accommodate the 7 a.m. start time for the half marathon, followed by the 5K start at 7:20 a.m. Both begin and end at North Central, 30 N. Brainard St.
The map of the race route along with detour maps for drivers and church-goers can be found at www.naperville.il.us/womenshalfmarathon.aspx. The three major thoroughfares affected are Washington Street, Chicago Avenue and 5th Avenue.
Post-race events begin at 8:30 at the NCC stadium, with awards presented to the 5K winners at 9:30 a.m. and the half marathon winners at 10:30 a.m.
A third event -- the Naperville Women's 5K Elite Cup -- starts at 11:15 a.m. The race is being run on a closed three-lap, 5,000-meter course, with awards and a $5,000 purse presented at 11:45 a.m.
All events are open to spectators. Food, refreshments and live entertainment will be provided.
Motorists should expect delays "through early afternoon in and around the race area and should take alternate routes or allow extra time to get to their destination," the city of Naperville said in a news release on the event.
A kickoff event for the day of racing is an appearance by women's marathon pioneer Katherine Switzer, who will speak at North Central College's Wentz Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., at 6 p.m. Friday. Admission is free.
For more information on the Naperville Women's Half Marathon and 5K, go to www.napervillewomenshalf.com/.
