Runners Will Take to the Streets in Menifee Half Marathon

Runners gathered in front of Mt. San Jacinto College for the start of last year's half marathon. This year's race starts at 7:30 a.m. Sunday.

About 300 runners have pre-registered for Sunday's Menifee Half Marathon and 5K run, many more are expected to sign up on race day, and officials are preparing for a large crowd of spectators for the city-sponsored annual event.

This is the second year of the Menifee Half Marathon, which will begin in front of Mt. San Jacinto College at 7:30 a.m. and cover a 13-mile course over city streets. Runners will cover a route that heads to Scott Road on the south, Briggs Road on the east, Holland Road on the North and back to Antelope Road on the west, finishing at the college.

Some streets will be closed before and during the race (see list below the map of the course). Roads will be closed beginning at 6:45 a.m. and will re-open at 11 a.m.

The event, which carries the City of Menifee as the title sponsor, is a major fundraiser for Menifee United Way. Funds raised through entry fees go back into the community, said Connie Hall, vice president of operations for United Way and race director.

"This is our 28th year holding the Tinsel Triathlon in Hemet," Hall said. "The last race we had over 1,500 runners. We feel we can do some good in Menifee with this event."

Last year's half marathon began at 9 a.m. Race time was moved up this year following runners' complaints about the late start and heat last year.

Runners in the 5K will start with the half marathon runners and will cover a shorter course within the main course. Participants will receive a medal and T-shirt.

Registration on race day opens at 6:30 a.m. There will also be an expo at the start/finish area, featuring local vendor and sponsor booths.

COURSE MAP

STREET CLOSURES

The following roads will be closed to through traffic beginning at 6:45am, Sunday morning:

Antelope Road between La Piedra and Scott roads

Garbani Road between Antelope and Briggs roads

Briggs Road between Garbani  to Holland roads

Holland Road between South Shore and the dirt portion of the road

Menifee Road between Garbani Road and Waterford Pacific Bluff

There will be no access from side streets or driveways to any portion of these closed roads. Roads are expected to be open by 11am. 

Residents in the neighborhood bordered by Antelope, Garbani and Menifee roads will use Menifee Road northbound to exist the neighborhood. Detour signs will be posted to assist residents in neighborhoods affected by the road closures. Signage will be posted 72 hours in advance to remind residents of the brief road closures and to plan accordingly.

For more information about the race or to register, visit menifeehalf.com. For questions regarding road closures, contact Race Director Connie Hall, connnie@menifeehalf.com.