Posted: May 23, 2005

Athletics: Getting Around On An Event Filled Day In San Diego

Travel tips for sports fans and tourists destined for Downtown on June 5, 2005

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 23, 2005) -- The Coca-Cola Zero^TM Rock 'n' Roll Marathon., the annual foot race and musical block party, celebrates its eighth running when it hits the streets of San Diego, Sunday, June 5. The event, which features more than 40 live bands along the race route, introduces a new course this year and participants, spectators and the general public are encouraged to plan ahead when traveling around the downtown area.

With the addition of Petco Park and the Padres and changes to the marathon course that highlight more of the historic Gaslamp District and the Harbor Drive area, June 5 will be an exciting and eventful day in San Diego.

The increase in attractions means an increase in traffic. Elite Racing's operations staff is making every effort to provide San Diego's sports fans and tourists with information regarding road closures and the best transportation routes to the airport and event of choice.

Marathon race day begins at Balboa Park, on 6th and Palm, with the wheelchair invitational at 6:25 a.m. and the mass start at 6:30 a.m. The finish line is located at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in Point Loma. New earlier start times were implemented to ease traffic congestion.

On the roadways, the only freeway closure will be southbound Highway 163, between Interstate 805 and downtown, from 2:00 a.m. to noon, and northbound Highway 163, between downtown and Washington Street from 2:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

All other major freeways will be open on June 5; however, motorists should expect delays close to the Downtown area between the prime hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m.

Travelers destined for the airport are strongly advised to consider accessing the airport from the south and allow extra time for pick-up and drop-off. Pacific Highway will be closed, and Sassafras and Washington Street should be avoided between 5:00 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. due to the close proximity of the finish line.

For detailed information regarding freeway access and high traffic areas, airport/downtown access and race day start and finish line details, please visit www.rnrmarathon.com.

For more information on the Coca-Cola Zero Rock 'n' Roll Marathon visit www.RNRMarathon.com or contact Elite Racing, Inc. at 800-311-1255.