Roads closed for Manila Marathon

MANILA, Philippines —  The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday announced road closures for today’s Manila Marathon. 

The 42-kilometer marathon will use EDSA as the main race route, looping from the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay to SM North EDSA in Quezon City.

Road closures will begin at 11:30 p.m. today until 7:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Although the race will be held for eight hours, MMDA Chairman Don Artes said roads along the race route would be closed by segment and reopened as soon as runners clear each area.

“There is an allotted time for runners to clear each (road) segment. If they are unable to leave, they will be escorted by a Coast Guard vehicle,” Artes said.

The MMDA will close intersections along Macapagal Boulevard, Roxas Boulevard and Taft Avenue.

U-turn slots near F.B. Harrison in Pasay and EDSA-Bonny Serrano near Camp Crame will also be closed to motorists.

Road closures can also be expected along EDSA Tramo, Magallanes Interchange, Ayala, Buendia, Estrella and Ortigas. 

The MMDA assured the public that the marathon will not paralyze traffic on EDSA. 

Artes said the MMDA would also set up checkpoints for alcohol testing in anticipation of drunk motorists.

With around 25,000 runners participating, the MMDA is expecting the marathon to promote sports tourism.