New Bedford Half Marathon is today. Here's everything you need to know.

NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford Half Marathon is back for another run on March 17. From 11 a.m. to about 2 p.m., the downtown area will be shut down with heavy traffic due to parking bans and street closures.

"We really put a lot of effort into making sure this is safe and fundamental in the city," said Race Director Dan McCarthy.

Last year, the half marathon was not part of the USA Track and Field Grand Prix because a new rule stated they could not host three consecutive years. However, this year the marathon is back under its umbrella.

"We're really excited to have that back. It brings a great number of runners and a high quality of runners to race field," McCarthy said.

Every seven years or so, McCarthy also said the half marathon lands on St. Patrick's Day.

"The race is always the third Sunday in March, because it's a month before Patriots Day, which is the Boston Marathon," he said. "Expect to see a lot of the runners dressed in green or be some in costumes."

McCarthy also noted to expect more restaurants around the downtown area to be more crowded than usual because of St. Patrick's Day offerings happening all day.

Where does the race take place?

The half marathon goes as far north as Nauset Street and Hathaway Road, around where the old Building 19 used to be located. Nothing further north of that is affected at all by the race.

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The race then proceeds down Rockdale Avenue, left onto Cove Road and then onto West Rodney French Boulevard, then back up East Rodney French Boulevard onto County Street.

When will the streets be closed?

There will be rolling street closures along the course, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, once the runners have passed a certain area, the street is reopened.

The race proceeds at a pace of the slowest runner for three of the closures.

Cove Road will be the longest street closure, and drivers should be aware of single side driving on Rockdale Avenue. The runners will have one side of the road and cars moving in both directions will split the other side of the road.

Cars will be towed Sunday morning

All week long, Police Emergency Management have deployed a bunch of on-street posters and flashing signs in multiple locations, reminding people that the race is coming and to not park in certain designated areas overnight.

McCarthy warned that if a car is discovered on the route in a no-parking area, it will be towed that morning.

Where should people park during the marathon?

For residents interested in attending the half marathon, the best places to park for free are the Elm Street Garage and Zeiterion Theater parking lot and garage. It's also free to park on the street as there are no metering in the downtown area on weekends.

However, expect to stay the entire race as course closures will impede people's ability to come and go at certain points during the race.

Where should you watch the half marathon?

The race starts and finishes at City Hall Plaza. Guests are invited to remain until the race ends. McCarthy said the first runner should appear within 65 to 70 minutes.

But spectators can walk the course, too, having ample opportunities to watch the race at different vantage points. Starting at Purchase Street, people can walk down Union Street to approximately the five-mile mark (Rockdale Avenue) and then walk back to the finish.

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Another place for spectators is at the top of the County Street hill, the 12.2 mile mark, as runners near the end of the course.

For South End residents, people can watch the race from both sides of the peninsula. There will be music playing at multiple spots along the course.

How should I prepare to watch?

The weather forecast is partly cloudy with a high of 53 degrees on Sunday so plan for cooler weather. Spectators can bring lounge chairs and boxed lunch to watch on the sidelines of the marathon. McCarthy suggested getting there nice and early to not only secure a parking space but a space on the route to set up camp.

The New Bedford Police Department has asked runners and spectators not to bring bags to the course, as backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags will not be permitted near the start/finish area.

Where is the best place to get some food before and after the marathon?

With the marathon being on St. Patrick's Day weekend, several local restaurants and bars around the downtown area are not only open, but excited to welcome racers and spectators throughout the day.

A few spots along the race’s route include Pour Farm Tavern, The Baker, Green Bean, Corks, Moby Dick’s, Tia Maria’s European Cafe and other spots.

McCarthy said that some racers have said they plan to visit the Cisco Bar + Kitchen on the South End as well.

What is the history of the race?

Since 1978, the race has become an annual rite of passage for the city, attracting over 2,000 racers, 1,000 volunteers and thousands of spectators.

The New Bedford Half Marathon was born in 1977 while friends and running partners Larry Finnerty and Marty Flinn were training for the Newport Marathon. While doing 20-mile training runs, looping through the city, they decided to start their own race.

The race is hosted by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a New Bedford-based fraternal organization, and the City of New Bedford.

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Proceeds from the race are donated to the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of New Bedford and other charitable causes.

Since then, the race has attracted world-class running talent such as Johnny Kelley, two-time Olympian and two-time winner of the Boston Marathon. John Gregorek, who qualified to run in the 1980 Olympics, ran the race in 1981, setting the course record.

What are some of the marathon’s records?

Geoff Smith, two-time Boston Marathon winner, still holds the course record since 1985, with a 1:01:58. In 1989, Ingrid Kristiansen, a long-distance runner from Norway, set a world record 1:08:32.

In 2019, Dorchester's Brad Mish from the Boston Athletic Association team placed first at 1:07:02. Marci Klimeck of Arlington was the first female runner at 1:14:45.

"The Half Marathon is a signature New Bedford event that draws runners and spectators from all along the East Coast," said Mayor Jon Mitchell in a previous statement. "It is known far and wide for its suitability for elite competitors and the just-do-it runners alike."

Can you still register for the race?

According to McCarthy, you can still sign-up to run. Registration is open from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Register in person at the YMCA. For any questions or information on volunteering, visit the New Bedford Half Marathon website.

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Half Marathon: here's where to park and not to park.