TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Safety on the roadways is important every day, but will be even moreso on Feb. 25.
That’s the day of the Team Tinker Half Marathon, a race that will take place on the open roads of Tinker Air Force Base. From 8 a.m. to noon, runners will be traversing high traffic areas stretching from Bldg. 3001 to base housing to the Navy area and back.
Two sections of the 13.1 mile course will be closed to vehicular traffic and another will be down to one lane to accommodate both runners and drivers. On the north side of base, Industrial Boulevard and Perimeter Road will be closed and Fifth Avenue will be closed from A to D Avenues. Hercules/Mercury Road from Patrol Road to Alert Road will be closed on the south side. Also, there will be areas on the route that will not be completely closed, but may have some restrictions like a lane closure.
In addition, Gott Gate will be open from 8 a.m. until noon that day in an effort to ease some of the traffic congestion on the south side.
Officials ask Tinker personnel not participating in the marathon as either a runner, volunteer or spectator to hold off coming to the base until the afternoon of Feb. 25, if at all possible.
“Saturday morning on a non-drill weekend has the lightest traffic on Tinker,” said 72nd Mission Support Group Commander Col. Michael Green. “But, it only takes one car and only one person.”
Don’t be that one.
Tips for drivers
• Runners have the right-of-way throughout the course and cars should yield to them in all cases during the half marathon.
• When traveling on the road with runners, remain at least three car lengths (45 feet) behind.
• Do not pass runners!
• Remain focused on your position and that of the runner to ensure you are able to react if the runner slows or falls.
• Obey traffic instructions by race officials.
• Pay special attention at corners and intersections for oncoming runners.
• Base housing residents on Twining Drive should pay extra attention when backing out of their driveways on the day of the race as runners could be approaching. If possible, Twining Drive residents are asked to not park in the roadway during race hours. This will make runners more visible to those leaving their driveways.
Tips for runners
• Be advised that this course is not a fully closed course and both runners and motorists will be on the course at the same time.
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
• Watch out for yourself, others and motorists while running to avoid accidents and ensure safety.
• Don’t cut corners.