Cd'A Marathon moves to downtown location

COEUR d'ALENE - A portion of Coeur d'Alene's new McEuen Park will barely be open before the first event will be held at the downtown location.

The North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation announced that its major fundraiser, the 37th annual Coeur d'Alene Marathon, will be held on Front Avenue near the park on Sunday, May 24. A portion of the park is slated to open around that time.

"We believe that the new park and downtown location will make for a great atmosphere for the event," said Charlie Miller, the foundation's executive director.

"While some of the areas of the park may not be ready for use by race day, the aesthetics of the park will certainly enhance the experience. It will treat runners to more scenic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene."

The event, which also includes the 23rd annual half marathon and a 5-kilometer run, will start and finish on Front Avenue at Fourth Street.

Marathoners and half-marathoners will run downtown east to Higgens Point on Coeur d'Alene Parkway before returning through the Sanders Beach neighborhood. Marathoners will complete two laps and half-marathoners one. The 5-kilometer course will go through the Sanders Beach neighborhood.

This year's race is certified as a Boston Marathon qualifier.

The Coeur d'Alene Marathon was held at Riverstone from 2008 to 2013 and, before that, North Idaho College.

"We appreciate the collaboration with Riverstone, but as they continue to develop that area, parking becomes a challenge," Miller said. "It will be easier to handle the capacity downtown.

"It makes a lot of sense to have the race start and finish at the new park. We have all the amenities we need such as parking, food, lake views, hotel accommodations and, of course, the Centennial Trail."

There will be vendors and music at the event.

Packet pickup and late registration will be on Saturday, May 24, at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

For more information, visit www.cdamarathon.com or www.nictf.org.