Join thousands of competitive athletes, recreational runners, walkers and active families for the spring kick-off event to Puget Sound’s running season. The 45th annual Mercer Island Half Marathon, organized by the Rotary Club, hits the streets and trails of Mercer Island on Sunday, March 19.

This will result in temporary road closures and some traffic delays, as four different run or walk events benefiting colon cancer awareness will take place throughout the morning.

This event raises funds for colon cancer prevention and Rotary charities, and offers something for everyone, including the Swedish Cancer Institute Half Marathon Run and Half Marathon Walk around Mercer Island, the BMW Seattle 10K Run, the Overlake Medical Center 5K Run/Walk and the non-competitive Kids’ Dash, for children age 10 and under. Race Village, located at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, will have family fun, giveaways and friendly faces at sponsor booths.

Mercer Island police, Rotary course marshals and volunteers will provide traffic control throughout the day. Signs will clearly denote detours and areas of temporary traffic delays.

Drivers and bicyclists are asked to comply with requests made by race officials. Drivers using East, West or North Mercer Way, are advised to travel in a counterclockwise direction to minimize delays. Residents are asked to use Island Crest Way for north/south travel, if possible. See www.mercerislandhalf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/17-MIRHM-Cyclist-Advisory-Map.pdf for special travel advice for cyclists.

Events begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at noon, approximately. Go to www.mercerislandhalf.com/event-info/schedule for more.