Marathon to close streets Sunday

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Nearly 34,000 runners are expected to compete in the annual Marine Corps Marathon Sunday, with thousands more watching or attending events related to the race, organizers said.

The marathon will cause some road closures and traffic disruptions.

The 26.2-mile race starts and ends at the Iwo Jima memorial in Rosslyn. The route crosses Key Bridge, wends its way through Georgetown and back into Rosslyn via the 14th Street Bridge. Opening ceremonies are at 7:20 a.m. with runners starting at 8 a.m.

The race closes a number of streets in eastern Arlington and the District, starting as early as 4 a.m. Key Bridge and Route 110 will be closed in both directions. Portions of Meade Street, Lynn Street, Crystal Drive, Ft. Meyer Drive, Fairfax Drive, Wilson Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, Lee Highway and Interstate 395 HOV lanes will be closed at varying times.

Event organizers suggest spectators view the race from the start, near the Lincoln Memorial, or from the festival on Crystal Drive in Crystal City. Bleacher seats will be available at the finish line.

Crystal Run festival is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday on Crystal Drive. The event features a rock climbing wall, arts and crafts, and live music. A finish-line festival starts at 9:30 a.m. on Wilson Boulevard, featuring the Marine Corps Base Quantico Band.

This is the 32nd Marine Corps Marathon. Last year, more than 96,000 visitors spent nearly $31.7 million in the Washington area as a result of the race, according to a George Washington University study cited by the Crystal City business improvement organization. For more information on road closures, visit: www.marinemarathon.com

mhegstad@dcexaminer.com