Traffic rerouted for 1st QCIM

MANILA, Philippines - Traffic at the Quezon Memorial Circle and Commonwealth Ave. will be rerouted when the first Quezon City International Marathon hits the road tomorrow.

Organizers said yesterday that the QC Circle and the northbound lane of Commonwealth Ave. will be closed to traffic beginning Saturday midnight until 11 a.m. the next day to give way to the staging of the event marking the 70th founding anniversary of Quezon City under Mayor Sonny Belmonte.

“We do not want the riding public and motorists to be inconvenienced while ensuring the safety of our runners who will be taking part in the QCIM,” Art Disini, Runners Executive Club Runners (Runnex) and QCIM race manager, said. “So we are issuing this advisory.”

As early as 11 tonight, policemen will be posted on the Kalayaan and East Ave. gates to look after those who want to park in Quezon City Hall in preparation for the races sponsored by San Miguel Corp., The Philippine STAR, New San Jose Builders, GMA Network, Puregold, Ayala Land, Robinson’s Land and Shoemart, according to Disini.

He added that the Quezon City Hall parking area can accommodate up to 1,000 cars if properly parked and stacked. It can be reached through Gate 7 on Kalayaan Ave. and on Gates 1 and 3 on East Ave.

By 12 a.m. tomorow, the following roads will be closed to traffic: Kalayaan Ave., East Avenue, Quezon Ave., North Ave. and Commonwealth Ave.

On the other hand, Quezon Elliptical Circle Road will be closed by 4 a.m. on Sunday, Disini said, adding that there will be no parking at North Ave. and Commonwealth Ave.

Disini thanked Mayor Belmonte in fielding the full force of city hall personnel and QC police so that all of the participants will have a memorable race in safe and secure surroundings.

Starting and ending at the Freedom Park of the QC Circle, the QCIM will have thousands of runners gathered even before the crack of dawn for their briefing at 4 a.m. before they start taking off in their respective race divisions of the event also backed by Maxima, Salonpas, 100 Plus, Manila Water, Timex, Nissan Navara, Fitness First, Nature Valley, Fern-C, Fern Slim, Flapjacks and Universidad.