Providence Marathon canceled due to Washington Bridge, other issues
Christopher Boardman
(WLNE) — The 2024 Providence Marathon and Half Marathon have been canceled.
In a statement on the Providence Marathon website, “unforeseen challenges, including the Washington Bridge closure” were cited. The marathon was scheduled for May 5. Safety was cited as a concern as an “adequate route” was not able to be found.
Can't really plan for a sudden bridge closure due to an audit finding critical failure of key structural components...
"The westbound span of the Washington Bridge was suddenly closed on Monday, December, 11, 2023, after the Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced the discovery of "critical failure of some original bridge components".[8] Westbound traffic was initially detoured on an alternate route through East Providence and onto the newly reopened Henderson Bridge before rejoining with Interstate 195 via the Gano Street exit." - wikipedia
I find it hard to believe that you couldn't just move this to a bike path or to a park (Roger Williams loop course). Also the half doesn't cross the bridge. Marathon = 2 loops of the half course. Half course is a lot hillier & would make for a tougher course & also runs through busier neighborhoods but still. It wouldn't be scenic but there are ways to run 26.2 miles in the city. Maybe race organizers are east siders that are scared of the south side, idk. Close a lane on Allens & run south towards Pawtuxet Village, loop RW, figure it out.
I have no idea why the half has to be cancelled. Should have kept it open & directed everyone there. It's a nice race. Makes no sense not to run the half. Do a half & 5k (or 10k).
Can't really plan for a sudden bridge closure due to an audit finding critical failure of key structural components...
"The westbound span of the Washington Bridge was suddenly closed on Monday, December, 11, 2023, after the Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced the discovery of "critical failure of some original bridge components".[8] Westbound traffic was initially detoured on an alternate route through East Providence and onto the newly reopened Henderson Bridge before rejoining with Interstate 195 via the Gano Street exit." - wikipedia
I mean, just based on your quoted source alone, they had many months notice to figure out how to make re-route the course, no? It’s not like the bridge closure happened a few weeks ago.
Sounds like the Providence marathon is poorly organized and lacks credibility. Why would anyone support this event in the future. Sadly, many RI events are the same. Blessing of the Fleet is notorious for this kind of thing as well.
Can't really plan for a sudden bridge closure due to an audit finding critical failure of key structural components...
"The westbound span of the Washington Bridge was suddenly closed on Monday, December, 11, 2023, after the Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced the discovery of "critical failure of some original bridge components".[8] Westbound traffic was initially detoured on an alternate route through East Providence and onto the newly reopened Henderson Bridge before rejoining with Interstate 195 via the Gano Street exit." - wikipedia
I mean, just based on your quoted source alone, they had many months notice to figure out how to make re-route the course, no? It’s not like the bridge closure happened a few weeks ago.
They might not be able to get a permit. It might be out of their hands. But it could also be that the race director is a lazy pos.
