The annual Swedish Cancer Institute Mercer Island Rotary Half Marathon is this weekend and it’s more than just a Boston Marathon qualifier.
The event raises money for research and prevention of colon cancer, one of the most frequent causes of cancer deaths in the United States. Experts have estimated that it will kill as many people this year as breast cancer and AIDS combined. Yet, if detected early, nearly all colon cancer cases can be successfully treated.
Race event organizers have been working with the City of Mercer Island’s Parks and Recreation, police and fire departments, as well as Town Center business owners to ensure that the race day runs smoothly.
A large focus of the preparation work is on traffic and parking. Rotary members work to advertise the event across the Island to make sure everyone knows how traffic and the roads will be impacted.
The map shown at left provides a look at the race route, where parking will be available and the best ways to get around the Island on Sunday.
The Rotary Club’s work prior to the race focuses on traffic control, parking and, most of all, safety.
Each year, the club posts the event around the Island and sends postcards to Island residents along the courses. The event is included by the city in all its Island publications and is covered and advertised numerous times in the Mercer Island Reporter. City signage is also placed in advance of the run to notify people of traffic impacts on run day, Sunday, March 21.
Use the event information list below to minimize the impact of the event by planning ahead, sign up for an event, or cheer on the participants as they help prevent colon cancer and support the work of Mercer Island Rotary.
Saturday, March 20
1-5 p.m. Ken Griffey Jr. Family Foundation Pre-Race Expo at the Community Center at Mercer View.
Sunday, March 21
6:30 a.m. Day of event registration begins at the Community Center at Mercer View.
7:30 a.m. Swedish Cancer Institute Half Marathon Walk Start.
8 a.m. Seattle Cancer Care Alliance 10k Run Start.
9 a.m. Swedish Cancer Institute Half Marathon Run Start.
9:30 a.m. Virginia Mason Team Medicine 5k Run/Walk Start.
For more information, go to http://www.mercerislandhalf.com or e-mail runinfo@mercerislandhalf.com.
