Runners pass the Colorado Capitol during last Sunday’s Denver Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, which started and finished at Civic Center. About 12,000 people ran four different races. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)
Last Sunday’s Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon/Half Marathon/10K/5K was certainly an exhilarating experience for the runners, their families and friends.
But for people who live downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods trying to negotiate the barricades, detours and police officers who professed to know “nothing” about how to get out of downtown for those of us needing to get to church, work, Sunday brunch — or those trying to come into the area for the same reasons — it was traffic torture.
It was probably the worst gridlock I’ve experienced in the 20 years I’ve lived downtown, capped by the comment from a police officer that she had “no idea” how I could get back into my building’s garage.
Those in city government responsible for this mess need to consult with downtown residents before approving multiple routes that block traffic for several hours.
Bill Clarke, Denver
This letter was published in the Oct. 26 edition.I’ve always been ambivalent, if not supportive, of the shutting down of streets to accommodate various events. But last Sunday’s marathon was far too expansive. From East High School to downtown to Cherry Creek, I’ve never been caught up in a mess quite like what I was last Sunday. It was intrusive and dangerous, not to mention the thousands of gallons of fuel wasted while cars were gridlocked. Tempers were flaring as I saw someone rush past other vehicles and enter a parking lot via the sidewalk. Other folks drove past barrier cones only to be forced to back up, creating mayhem.
The knuckleheads who allow this to happen should be held responsible for any injuries or fatalities that might happen as a result of restricted access, and I hope enough people complain so that future events are more thoughtfully arranged or moved elsewhere.
Scott Alan Smith, Denver
This letter was published in the Oct. 26 edition.
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