REDONDO BEACH, CA — Thousands of runners and spectators will descend on the South Bay Saturday for a nighttime half marathon that will close roads, restrict parking and disrupt traffic across three coastal cities.
The Nike After Dark Tour Los Angeles begins at 5 p.m. Oct. 24, taking runners along a 13.1-mile course through Redondo Beach, Torrance and Hermosa Beach before returning to King Harbor for a post-race celebration.
Approximately 12,000 participants and spectators are expected, according to an Oct. 19 announcement from the city of Redondo Beach.
But the disruption will begin well before the starting gun, with parking restrictions already in effect near King Harbor and additional restrictions and road closures scheduled throughout Saturday.
The most significant traffic impacts are expected around King Harbor, Catalina Avenue, the Esplanade, Riviera Village and portions of Hermosa Beach.
According to the city's published traffic information, road closures around Riviera Village are scheduled to begin at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday, with several streets remaining closed until between 8:15 and 9 p.m.
South Catalina Avenue, between Palos Verdes Boulevard and Avenue A, is scheduled to close from 4 to 8:15 p.m., along with Vista del Mar between the Esplanade and Camino de la Costa, and Camino de la Costa between Vista del Mar and South Catalina Avenue.
Catalina Avenue, between Beryl Street and the Esplanade, is expected to remain closed from 4 to 9 p.m.
Additional restrictions will affect North Harbor Drive, North Pacific Avenue, the Esplanade and streets along the Hermosa Beach portion of the course. Drivers should also anticipate delays near the Torrance Beach area and Palos Verdes Boulevard.
Parking restrictions begin earlier than many road closures, with some designated areas subject to restrictions from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon. Other no-parking periods begin at noon Saturday.
Residents can check the official race course and road closure map and separate no-parking restrictions map for affected streets and specific times.
Roads are expected to reopen progressively as runners clear the course.
While motorists face detours, Riviera Village is preparing to welcome runners and spectators with live entertainment, special lighting and activities along South Catalina Avenue.
According to Waller, a live band is scheduled to perform outside Riviera House from 5 to 8 p.m., while other planned attractions include a poster-making station, illuminated palm trees and entertainment around Avenida del Norte and Vista del Mar.
Nike has also identified official spectator areas at Veterans Park, Riviera Village and Pier Plaza in Hermosa Beach, among other locations. The sold-out half marathon is part of Nike's international After Dark Tour, a running series designed to encourage women's participation in sports, although the Los Angeles race is open to all eligible runners.
The event begins and finishes at King Harbor, where participants will be welcomed with music and a post-race celebration.
Motorists traveling through the affected neighborhoods Saturday should allow extra time, anticipate detours and check parking restrictions before leaving vehicles along the route.
Those visiting restaurants, shops or homes near the course should also expect temporary access restrictions, particularly during the late afternoon and evening.
Race organizers have published additional information about transportation, spectator locations and event arrangements on the official Nike After Dark Tour website.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Redondo Beach Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.