ORLANDO, Fla. – It is going to be a busy and jam-packed weekend in downtown Orlando with the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials bringing tens of thousands of people to the area.
“This is the center of the running universe this weekend. So, we’re super excited. A lot of track nerds in town for it,” said Kevin McHale, a runner from North Carolina.
By 8 a.m. the streets of downtown were packed Saturday and the sidewalks lined with running fans.
“I think it’s just a testimony to the hard work that these runners put into it and it’s great to stand by them and support them as they represent this country in the Olympics,” said Chad Sahhar from Colorado.
[RELATED: Here are the road closures in Orlando this weekend for US Olympic marathon trials]
Over 370 of the best long-distance runners in the country hit the pavement with the hopes to make it in the top three for their gender.
“The course is going to be amazing. It’s going to be flat, which is good. A runner’s paradise,” said Byron Gartrell from Boston.
It was a historic day for Orlando as it became the first in the state to host the Olympic Marathon Trials.
Over 1,500 volunteers helped make it possible. The racers took off shortly after 10 a.m. and looped around the Business District and then the Milk District several times.
Mayor Buddy Dyer expected it to create a $12 to $15 million boom for the local economy.
Downtown businesses said it’s a welcomed challenge for them, too.
“Honestly, the money is wonderful and it would be great if we get that busy but the logistics were really challenging today as far as trying to staff enough people and trying to make sure our people could get in,” said Laura Langford, owner of Craft and Common.
Langford’s coffee shop on Robinson Street was just feet away from part of the race route.
Her line was wrapped around the shop Saturday morning, which make the battle of logistics all worth it.
“We just love serving all of our customers from the Orlando area and especially hosting people from out of town,” she said.
At 4:14 p.m., Orlando Police announced that downtown roads have reopened following the marathon trials.
Downtown roads are reopen following today's Olympic Marathon event. Rosalind between Central and Robinson will remain fully closed until 10 a.m. on Feb 4. Central from Magnolia to Rosalind will be limited access only. pic.twitter.com/EacmQdxIeu
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) February 3, 2024
However, Rosalind Avenue between Central Boulevard and Robinson Street will remain fully closed until 10 a.m. on Feb 4. and Central Boulevard from Magnolia Avenue to Rosalind Avenue will be limited access only.
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