City of New Bedford Press Release
One Sunday, 3/17/19, thousands of runners will participate in the 42nd Annual New Bedford Half Marathon. The race is hosted by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a New Bedford-based fraternal organization, and the City of New Bedford. The course is a challenging one that includes two major hills, features waterfront views, and will be lined with hundreds of volunteers and cheering fans.
Organizers have taken great care to ensure that the NB Half Marathon continues to maintain its reputation as one of the safest races in New England. More than 120 New Bedford police officers will patrol the course and ambulances staffed by New Bedford Emergency Medical Services will be stationed throughout the city. The New Bedford Police Department has asked runners and spectators not to bring bags to the course as backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags will not be permitted near the start/finish area. The NBPD also asks that spectators and runners alike report any suspicious activity to one of the many police officers available throughout the course leading up to, during, and after the race.
Parking on the race course will not be permitted and the race course is closed to vehicular traffic. Residents are advised to plan ahead as traffic will be restricted from approximately 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents who live in the south end of the city, especially those who live on the peninsula, should plan to leave before 10:30 a.m. and return after 1:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to avoid Rte. 18 southbound from Union Street south while the race is underway.
The NBPD has identified two alternative routes for persons wishing to gain access inside the course perimeter. Persons who may be visiting a patient at St. Luke’s Hospital or who need access to the inner perimeter for other reasons should consider the following routes:
1. Rt. 195 Eastbound to Penniman St. exit to County to Parker to Cottage.
2. Rt. 195 Westbound to Downtown Exit to Rt. 18 Southbound to Rt. 6 exit (Downtown) to Mill St. to Cottage St.
Mayor Jon Mitchell has announced that the City of New Bedford will offer complimentary parking at the Elm Street and Zeiterion garages and Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot. Shuttle service from Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot to the YMCA will be provided between 8 and 10:30 a.m. and after the race between 12:45 and 3 p.m.
The entire New Bedford community is involved in welcoming the runners and their friends and families. New Bedford is a great place to shop, dine and explore before and after the race. Visit www.destinationnewbedford. org for more information.
For more information on the race and race day activities, including a map of the route, please visit: https://www.newbedfordhalfmarathon.com.
For Spectators
Being a loop course, the New Bedford Half Marathon is a great spectator race. Spectators can watch the beginning of the race on Purchase Street, walk down Union street to approximately the five mile mark (Rockdale Ave) and then walk back to the finish. See map at https://newbedfordhalfmarathon.com/race-info/#SpectatorInformation for the course information.
Another place for spectators is at the top of the County Street hill (around the 12.2 mile mark). From this vantage point spectators will appreciate the make-or-break point for the runners as they near the end of the course.
Many make this trek between the start, the five mile mark and return to catch the County Street hill, then the finish on Purchase Street.
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