If you’re planning to drive anywhere near Forsyth Park or Daffin Park this Saturday morning, expect some delays. The Savannah Southern Half Marathon and 5K is happening this weekend, bringing hundreds of runners to the streets for a scenic 13.1 mile course through town.
The race starts bright and early at 7 a.m. from Forsyth Park, then winds through downtown and Midtown before wrapping up with a finish at Daffin Park, right by Grayson Stadium. Runners in the half marathon will actually pass through the stadium before finishing under the live oaks at Daffin.
This is the event’s first year in Savannah, and it’s expected to draw plenty of spectators and road closures along the way. Savannah Police will have officers posted throughout the route, but drivers should avoid the area between 6:30 a.m. and noon if possible.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the main closures and times:
3 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Drayton Street between Park Avenue and Gaston Street
• Washington Avenue between Waters Avenue and Bee Street
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
• Drayton Street between Gaston and Taylor Street
• Gaston Street between Drayton and Barnard Street
• Barnard Street between Gaston and Duffy Street
7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Bull Street between Gaston and Bryan Street
• Broughton Street between Montgomery and Abercorn Street
• Bryan Street between Abercorn and Montgomery Street
• Montgomery Street between Bryan and Turner Street
• Congress Street between Montgomery and Abercorn Street
6:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Park Avenue between MLK Boulevard and Barnard Street
• Battey Street between 45th and 51st Street
• 51st Street between Battey and Harmon Street
• Atlantic Avenue between Washington Avenue and 58th Street (near Hull Park)
7 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
• Bull Street between Duffy and 40th Street
• 40th Street between Bull and Paulsen Street
• Paulsen Street between 40th and 45th Street
• Victory Drive at Paulsen Street
• Washington Avenue westbound between Waters and Hickory Street
All streets should reopen by noon once the last runners finish and cleanup wraps up.
Even if you’re not running, it’ll be hard to miss the energy around town. The race features live music and plenty of food and drink vendors waiting at the finish line in Daffin Park. There will also be free shuttles running between downtown and the park for anyone headed to watch or celebrate.
Whether you’re planning to cheer on friends or just trying to get to brunch, give yourself extra time Saturday morning, and maybe take a few alternate routes to steer clear of the race.
For more information, course maps, and race-day updates, visit southernhalf.com.
