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Ready, Set, Go For Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run, Street Closures

MIAMI (CBS4)- Thousands of runners will be lacing up their sneakers for Thursday's Miami Mercedes Benz Corporate 5K Run.

More than 20,000 participants from 570 companies are set to participate in the largest 5K in the South East. A three circuit 5K, 3.1 miles, Run Walk, will once again wind its way through the streets of downtown Miami. The race begins promptly at 6:45 p.m. and participants will meet at Bayfront Park on Biscayne Boulevard.

With a special competition that awards the overall mens, womens and co-ed teams in 20 different industries, the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series attracts more than 800 South Florida companies with more than 25,000 runners and walkers.

For the first time, every race participant will be electronically timed and the results will be posted on the internet.

The run is open to employees of businesses, corporations, government agencies, financial institutions and non-profits-no matter how big or small. Companies were encouraged to enter an unlimited number of employees to walk or run as a group.

But with the event comes street closures.

At 3 p.m., the Northbound lanes of Biscayne Blvd, from Chopin Plaza to NE 5th St. will closed. Southbound lanes will offer two-way traffic. Special attention will be given to the entry and exit of Chopin Plaza, Hotel Intercontinental and One Biscayne.

The first of the 20,000 expected participants will begin arriving at 3:30 p.m. Traffic is expected to increase at that time.

Participants continue to arrive and street detours and lane closures will begin from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Commuters traveling on Northbound Brickell Avenue will be detoured west on to SE 7th Street around 6 p.m.

Notably, only traffic going to Hotel Intercontinental and One Biscayne will be allowed to cross the Brickell Bridge.

The race should conclude by 8:30 p.m. officials said. Exiting downtown will be easiest via I-95.

Roadways will reopen as the last of the participants pass and the Miami Police Department deems it safe, approximately between 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Estimated times:

  • Brickell Avenue: 7:30 p.m.
  • Miami Avenue South of the River: 7:45 p.m.
  • SW/NW 2nd Avenue: 8:00 p.m.
  • Miami Avenue North of the River: 8:15 p.m.
  • NW/NE 1st Street: 8:20 p.m.

By 12 a.m. Northbound Biscayne Blvd will reopen to traffic.

As part of the tri-county race circuit, a portion of the proceeds from the Miami run will benefit the South Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross.

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