Grand Forks will host the state's first ever inline skating marathon in August, and that means some big changes to traffic for a few hours.
Large chunks of major corridors such as DeMers Avenue, Belmont Road and South 42nd Street, among others, will be closed intermittently to allow skaters to pass through safely, organizers of the Rollin' on the River race told the City Council's Safety Committee on Tuesday.
If the residents of Boston and New York City can work street closures for their marathons, so can Grand Forks, said City Council President Hal Gershman.
The race, which will take place between 7:30 and 11 a.m. Aug. 27, will cover 13.4-mile loop from DeMers in the north to 62nd Avenue South. The full marathon would require two laps.
Organizer Laura Jelinek said she's hoping it'll attract 400 to 500 participants.
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She said traffic control officers will use common sense and allow drivers through when there won't be any conflict with skaters. Organizers will also work with hotels, golf courses and other businesses to minimize traffic problems for their customers, she said.
Besides the streets mentioned, other streets on the race route include: 10th Avenue South, 24th Avenue South, 40th Avenue South, South 15th Street, South 34th Street, Columbia Road and Ruemmele Road.
Intersections along the way will also be affected, including the often-busy 32nd Avenue South and 34th Street crossing.
Gershman said the marathon has the potential to someday turn into a major event, like 2008's World Curling Championship and 2004's World Junior Hockey Championship. That's why the city's special events committee, of which he's a member, contributed $17,500 to the marathon, he said.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau chipped in $10,000. Some of the money will pay for city staff who will block traffic during the race. The Herald, WDAZ and Clear Channel offered $15,000 in advertising.
The event homepage is at: www.rollinontheriver-inline.com .
Reach Tran at (701) 780-1248; (800) 477-6572, ext. 248; or send e-mail to ttran@gfherald.com .
