Race to close city streets Sunday

The Norwalk Area United Fund and Fisher Titus Medical Center are hosting a half-marathon and a 5K race this Sunday. The Maple City Half Marathon starts at 7:45 a.m. Sunday, with the 5K beginning five minutes later in a staggered start. The races begin at the Recreation Center, 100 Republic St., with the half-marathon route cutting through the heart of the city. Most of the 5K route will run along the walking trail between Gallup Avenue and Contractors Park on Akron Road. The Norwalk Police Department will enforce no parking on the following streets: • State Street between W. Main and Jefferson streets • Norwood Avenue between W. Elm Street and Christie Avenue • E. Elm Street between Woodlawn and S. Linwood avenues • S. Linwood Avenue between E. Elm and Summit streets • E. Main Street between S. Linwood and Woodlawn avenues Additionally, barricades will be located at: • Cline Street near Aldi and Suki • N. West Street/Jefferson Street (preventing northbound traffic) • North Coast Inland Trail and Baker Street (preventing westbound traffic from Baker Street to Newton Street) • E. Main Street at Prospect Street • E. Main Street at Foster Street • St. Mary's Street at Schauss Avenue (for 5K runners) Police also advised motorists to anticipate traffic delays and to drive with caution, as runners are expected to be active along the routes throughout Sunday morning. Registration for the half-marathon is $65. Through Monday, a total of 265 runners had signed up for the race. The event will be capped at 300 runners. Registration for the 5K costs $35. All proceeds will benefit the Norwalk Area United Fund. Race packet pick up will take place at the Rec Center from 4-6 p.m. Saturday and from 6:30-7:30 a.m. on Sunday. Cash prizes include $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place. Age group cash prize awards include Masters (40-49), Grand Masters (50-59), and Senior Grand Masters (60-plus). There are also non-cash awards for first, second and third place in the 5K. To allow for streets to reopen in a timely manner, participants must follow a 15-minute per mile pace. Runners who fall behind that pace will be asked to move to the sidewalks.