September 2016

The 2016 MVP Health Care Rochester Marathon
Sunday, September 18, 2016

• All events begin at 7:30 am.
• Course closes at 2 pm.

Have you ever spectated a marathon?

The MVP Health Care Rochester Marathon (and half marathon, and relay) on September 18^th is your chance. The marathon is one of the ultimate tests of human strength, stamina, and spirit. Like golf or bowling, however, it might sound boring to watch.

You’d be surprised.

If you’ve never run or watched a marathon for any length of time, you’ve likely missed out on what it means to be part of one of these events. The role of spectators should not be undervalued – marathons aren’t easy, and it takes a village. At certain points in the race (uphill grades, mile 17), the cheers and cowbells from people not running can provide the fuel to keep going.

Get in on the action.

As long as you’re not positioned at the starting line, you’ll find that the mass of marathoners morphs into a steady stream of individuals and pairs. With your well-thought-out, inspiring sign, you’re likely to find yourself reading race bibs and cheering on individual runners. When those runners smile back at you, you’ll finally *get it.* Keep in mind that, in addition to running 26.2 miles in one shot, some of these runners will be qualifying for the Boston Marathon. That’s a pretty big deal.

Getting There

The race starts on Maplewood Drive in Maplewood Park, but don’t try to take your car there. Though you can watch the race from just about anywhere on the course, you might want to take advantage of free parking in the Kodak Parking Lot on Maplewood Drive between Kheel Street & Hanford Landing.

If your goal is to avoid the marathon and all traffic associated with it, check out this list of associated road closures.