(CBS DETROIT) – The annual kickoff event for the Detroit Free Press Marathon competes with a political rally for former president Donald Trumpwhich could cause traffic problems for commuters on Friday.
“They don’t have to go through any security protocols to come in and navigate our expo,” Aaron Velthoven, the marathon’s vice president and race director, said Thursday.
However, Velthoven said the marathon was only warned 48 hours before the meeting would start at Huntington Place, as their Health Fair and Expo was nearing an end. He told CBS News Detroit that they could pivot and move within the convention center.
“Everything has to go smoothly,” Velthoven said. “But they might want to give them a few extra minutes to get around, just in case.”
The marathon raised more than $28 million for the city of Detroit last year and is expected to break records, including the race record of selling out two months before the start. Organizers said there will be more than 26,000 racers this year, with all 50 states represented and more than 40 international participants.
“Our primary job is to patrol and secure anyone who is in the community,” Detroit Deputy Chief Arnold Williams said when asked about the two colliding events. “We are able to monitor and secure the visits that take place.”
The exact route of the former president’s motorcade has not yet been released, but commuters should expect heavy traffic around downtown Detroit during rush hour on Friday.
Going into the weekend, you can expect road closures to begin Saturday afternoon and remain until the last runner crosses the finish line on Sunday.
