9th Annual Grand Blue Mile schedule of events and road closures
DES MOINES, Iowa (April 23, 2017) — Last week, Grand Blue Mile officials posted the schedule of events and road closure information for Grand Blue Mile on April 24.
An exciting change for 2018 includes a modified Grand Blue Mile course which was announced in late February. The race will now start near 1700 Locust Street, turn north onto 8th street and west onto Grand Avenue to the finish line near 13th Street. To view the updated course map visit GrandBlueMile.com.
Schedule
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Road closuresDowntown Des Moines businesses will continue to be open and accessible throughout Grand Blue Mile. Please note the following closures to help plan your travel on race day.
9 a.m. Grand Avenue from 10th to 14th Streets
12th Street between Grand Avenue and Locust Street
13th Street between Grand Avenue and Locust Street
3 p.m. Fleur Drive between Locust Street and Grand Avenue
Fleur Drive northbound exit (near Water Works Park entrance) to Locus StreetGrand Avenue southbound (near Central Campus) to Fleur Drive
5 p.m. 17th Street between Grand Avenue and Locust Street
Locust Street between Fleur Drive and 16th Street
6 p.m. Locust from 16th to 8th Streets 8th Street between Locust Street and Grand AvenueGrand Avenue from 8th to 10th Streets
Event schedule
4 – 6 p.m. Packet Pickup — all race participants
Athlete Services Tent (Pappajohn Park lawn)
13th Street and Grand Avenue
6 p.m. Iowa Kidstrong Fun Run
Check-in at Iowa Kidstrong tent (12th Street and Grand Avenue)
Note: Non-competitive ¼-mile fun run for Iowa Kidstrong program participants.
6:15 p.m. Recreational Division
1700 Locust Street
Note: Open to all ages and abilities, including runners, joggers and walkers.
6:35 p.m. Mascot Madness Charity Challenge12th Street and Grand Avenue
6:45 p.m. Women’s Competitive Division
1700 Locust Street
Note: Open to all competitive runners and recommended for sub-8-minute milers.
7 p.m. Men’s Competitive Division
1700 Locust Street
Note: Open to all competitive runners and recommended for sub-8-minute milers.
7:15 p.m. 2018 Women’s USATF 1 Mile Road Championship
1700 Locust Street
Note: Features America’s best milers, by invitation only.
7:30 p.m. 2018 Men’s USATF 1 Mile Road Championship
1700 Locust Street
Note: Features America’s best milers, by invitation only.
7:45 p.m. USATF 1 Mile Road Championships Awards Ceremony
Grand Blue Mile Finish Line
13th Street and Grand Avenue
8 p.m. Post-Race Media Availability
13th Street and Grand Avenue
5 – 8 p.m. Celebration Party
Refreshments and entertainment for participants and spectators
Pappajohn Park Lawn
13th Street and Grand Avenue