Local Motorist Fuming at Marathon Road Closures That Were Publicized For Months in Advance Via Street Signs, Flyers, Social Media, TV, Radio, Local Paper, and Vintage Biplane Towing Banner
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A local motorist was caught off guard Sunday when he encountered police barricades a few blocks from his home, Dumb Runner has learned—an unpleasant surprise that left the man frustrated and annoyed.
“What the hell?” said Michael Oher, 41, from behind the wheel of his Toyota Camry. “You people just decide to shut down a street?”
“I live here!” he continued. “My taxes pay for these roads!”
The barricades, used to block vehicular traffic along an active marathon course, were in place by 5 a.m., along with orange cones and DETOUR signs. The marathon, a popular event that draws thousands of runners, has been held every spring for the past 18 years; the associated street closures were publicized for months in advance, in every form of media available, including social media, TV, radio, and the local newspaper.
In addition, residents of neighborhoods along the course received flyers the week before the marathon, notifying them of the disruption and asking them to plan accordingly. Signs placed at dozens of intersections contained the same information.
On top of that, race organizers hired a pilot with a refurbished World War I-era biplane to “buzz” the town for two hours the previous weekend, towing a banner reading “Marathon Next Weekend—Expect Street Closures!”
After two failed attempts to convince a nearby police officer to let him through the barriers, Oher cursed, executed a three-point turn, and sped away in the other direction.
“I’m just trying to get to Wendy’s,” he said loudly, through his open window. “This is bullshit.”
