Hopkinsville drivers need to plan extra travel time Saturday morning, as runners take to city streets for the Seventh Annual Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K.
Both races begin in front of the Christian County Justice Center, with the half marathon starting at 8 a.m. and the 5K following at 8:20 a.m.
About 300 runners are expected to participate, and the half marathon course will remain open until noon.
Runners will travel on the right-hand side of the road and be accompanied by law enforcement escort vehicles at the front and back of the pack. Officers and race volunteers will be stationed at key intersections to control traffic and ensure safety.
The half marathon route covers 13.1 miles through several major city streets, including:
Main Street (9th Street to Alumni Avenue)
Alumni Avenue to Latham Avenue
Latham to Cox Mill Road
Cox Mill to Gary Lane
Gary Lane to Lafayette Road
Lafayette Road to the Hopkinsville Bypass
Foston Chapel Road, connecting to the Greenway Rail Trail toward downtown
The 5K route (3.1 miles) will also begin at the Justice Center and move along:
Sterling Drive
Faulkner Drive (connecting to the Greenway)
Phelps Avenue
16th Street
Cherry Street
15th Street to Canton Street
Bethel Street and Ninth Street to the finish line
Both races will finish at the Justice Center parking lot, the same location as the start line.
A “grim sweeper” will follow the last runners to ensure all participants safely clear the route. Race officials and local law enforcement have worked together to minimize traffic disruptions while keeping runners safe.
Several streets will allow only one-way traffic during the event. Motorists are asked to use caution and patience while traveling near the course Saturday morning.
