Lighthouse Run temporarily closes streets

BY LINDSAY FIORI
Journal Times

Thursday, June 19, 2008 10:51 AM CDT

During Saturday morning’s Lighthouse Run, police will temporarily close several streets to all through traffic and will not allow parking on the race course.

The Lighthouse Run, an annual run in Downtown Racine, begins at 7:45 a.m. and should be completed by 10:30 a.m. Run participants can run a four or 10 mile competitive race or can take part in the two or four mile Modine Fun Run/Walk.

The run course includes portions of roadway on Main Street, Lake Avenue, Michigan Boulevard, 3 Mile Road, 4 Mile Road and Lighthouse Drive.

Small sections of Main Street, Lake Avenue, Michigan Boulevard, Dodge Street, Kewaunee Street and Wolff Street will be closed completely. One-way traffic will be allowed to travel west on 4 Mile Road, east on 3 Mile Road, north on Lighthouse Drive and south on the northern part of Main Street between 3 and 4 Mile Roads. Two-way traffic will be permitted on Main Street in the westbound lanes between 3 Mile Road and State Street.

Most roads will close around 7:30 a.m. and remain closed until run completion at about 10:30 a.m. The Main Street Bridge will remain closed until 10:40 a.m.

“Road closures are very minimal and traffic inconvenience is minimal,” said run Director Peter Henkes. “We take pride in that.”

Businesses and residences along the run route have received notification flyers regarding parking restrictions and street closures. This year, those along the race course also received a complimentary one-day pass to the YMCA, Henkes said.

City of Racine Police officers or Racine County sheriffs will man every intersection of the course for the duration of the race. Officers and deputies will allow traffic to cross intersections on Main Street and Lake Avenue whenever there is a gap in run participants. Other traffic will be routed along Wisconsin Avenue, according to Henkes.

“We put an officer on every corner to direct traffic and we try to be very cognizant of community needs,” Henkes said.

Parking is not allowed on closed roads from 5 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Participants can park along Pershing Drive near 11th Street, Henkes said.

The Lighthouse Run is presented by The Journal Times and the Racine Family YMCA. All proceeds support the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

Those interested in participating in the Lighthouse Run can register Saturday morning between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. at the YMCA gymnasium, 725 Lake Ave. The registration fee is $28 per participant.

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