Getting Around On Race Day

The courses of the Borgess Run for the Health of It weave through downtown, WMU’s campus, neighborhoods and parks. Advance planning for motorists who will be out and about on Sunday, May 6 could help avoid some delays.

All affected streets and intersections are in the City of Kalamazoo, the Township of Kalamazoo and the City of Parchment. All have been approved by those governmental units after review.

The tips below will help you navigate Kalamazoo roads on race day.

Closures

The Kalamazoo Mall – The Kalamazoo Mall will be closed for about an hour and a half after the first race begins at 8 a.m.
Parkview – Parkview will be closed between Drake Road and the entrance to Parkview Hills.
Nazareth Road – From about 7:30 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. Nazareth Road, north of Gull Road, is closed, and Gull Road motorists can expect delays from 8 to 8:30 a.m.

Where to Avoid if Possible

The Starting/Finish Line – The start and finish line for all May 6 events is at the Nazareth campus on Gull Road. Traffic both ways will be available, but restricted.
Downtown (Michigan/Riverview) – Runners head down Michigan Avenue from Riverview, creating long stoppages for people heading out of downtown via Michigan. Expect delays here and along Riverview, especially if the Kalamazoo River is “up,” making runners cross the road instead of running under the bridge.
Mills Street – Runners will be on the west side of Mills Street, so Northbound Mills Street will be open, including at Kings Highway.

Getting Through

Howard Street – Because runners go over the bridge on Howard, traffic is accessible on Howard.
The Inkster Bridge – Runners head under the Inkster bridge on Bronson, so this bridge takes you from outside the course into the middle of it.
Highways – Want to avoid the course completely, or get to the start or finish line from across town? Take the highway to Sprinkle, and approach Nazareth Campus from the North. Or, get to the westernmost side of the course by taking 131 to the Stadium exit.

North of the Course – To or from the race site, take Nazareth Road to G Avenue, to Riverview, to Commerce, to Mosel. Use Mosel to the west.

South of the Course – Anything south of Crosstown Parkway, east of Burdick, is safe. To get to the race site mid-morning or later, take Mills to Blaine, to Riverview and then to Gull Road.