Police are reminding drivers of significant road closures and special event clearways, in and around the Sydney CBD and Eastern Suburbs, for the 2019 Sydney Running Festival this weekend.
More than 35,000 people are expected to compete in the event on Sunday (15 September 2019), which includes five races; a half and full marathon, a wheelchair marathon, a 10km bridge run and a family fun run.
Each event kicks off in Bradfield Park at Milsons Point, before heading over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The first event, the Half Marathon, commences at 6am; followed by the Wheelchair Marathon at 7am; the Sydney Marathon, at 7.05am; the Bridge Run at 8am; and the Family Fun Run, at 9am. While the family fun run finishes at the Sydney Conservatory, all other events conclude at the Sydney Opera House.
A high-visibility police operation will be in place for the duration of the event and will include general duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist police from the Mounted Unit, Police Transport Command, Dog Unit, Bicycle Unit and the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command.
Operation Commander, Superintendent Jenny Scholz, said police have been working closely with event organisers and other key stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of race participants, spectators, volunteers, and the wider community throughout the event.
“The Sydney Running Festival is one of the most scenic courses in the world and we’ve been working hard to make sure the route and its surrounds are safe for participants and spectators,” Supt Scholz said.
“Road users and local residents are reminded there will be a number of major road closures in the CBD and surrounding suburbs in order to facilitate this world-class event. However, we will also work to minimise the impact of the event on the wider community.”
Major road closures include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cahill Expressway and the Western Distributor from Pyrmont to the city. Other key roads will close including Bridge Street, Macquarie Street, College Street, Hickson Road, Oxford Street, Flinders Street, Moore Park Road, Lang Road and Pirrama Road.
“The Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as roads in Milsons Point, Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst and Pyrmont will start closing from 4am, while closures in Moore Park will be in place from 5.30am,” Supt Scholz said.
“Road users are reminded the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Anzac Bridge will remain open during the event; however, you should allow extra travel time and expect delays.”
Motorists should also check signs before parking as special event clearways will be in place between 1am and 1.30pm in the Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst and Moore Park.
Vehicles left in these special event clearways, including those with local parking permits, will be towed and a fee will apply.
For all special event traffic information and live traffic reports, refer to the live traffic website for details: www.livetraffic.com.
“We urge motorists and residents to plan their trip in advance and if you must travel into the Sydney CBD, expect significant delays,” Supt Scholz said.
“Participants and volunteers should also take advantage of extra public transport running to and from the event as travel is covered by their entry – just present your race bib, finishers medal or volunteer shirt when boarding services.
“The closest train station to the start line is Milsons Point, where additional services will be running, while Circular Quay is your best bet to get home from both finish areas at the Sydney Opera House and Conservatorium of Music.
“Bus services will be affected by road closures, particularly in the Sydney CBD, North Sydney and Moore Park, but they’ll continue operating to alternate routes and additional services will be running in the morning to get competitors to the start line on time,” Supt Scholz said.
For details about route changes or to plan your trip, go to www.transportnsw.info.
Additional information about the Sydney Running Festival, including road closure and clearway maps, can be found at the event website: http://www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au.
