The Sioux Falls Marathon will return to city streets on Sunday, Sept. 20, and organizers have released a schedule of temporary street closures so residents, businesses and drivers can plan ahead. The Sioux Falls Sports Authority said the closures are coordinated with the Sioux Falls Police Department and the City of Sioux Falls for participant safety and to ensure the event runs smoothly.
What to expect on race day
Race-day closures are set to begin early in the morning, with some streets blocked as soon as 6 a.m.. Most closures will reopen once the final runner clears each area; reopening times vary by location and range from midmorning into early afternoon. Organizers stressed that times are approximate and dependent on runner flow and safety considerations.
“We’re excited to welcome runners to Sioux Falls for the 2026 Sioux Falls Marathon,” said Jerry Palleschi, project director of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority. “We’re expecting another great turnout, and we appreciate the City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Police Department, volunteers, and residents who help make this event possible each year.”
Key closures and timings
The Sports Authority provided a detailed list of affected streets and the times they will be closed. Major corridors and downtown streets will see closures during the morning hours. Among the affected routes are N. Western Ave, sections of Phillips Ave near Falls Park, segments of Madison St and downtown stretches of Dakota and Main avenues.
- N. Western Ave (Russell St. to Burnside St.) — closed from 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- W. Legion Drive (Western Ave. to Hawthorne Ave.) — closed 6:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
- N. Hawthorne Ave (Burnside St. to West Ave.) — closed 6:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
- W. Madison St. (Lyndale Ave. to Menlo Ave.) — closed 6:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
- N. Phillips Ave. (9th St. to Falls Park Dr.) — closed 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Downtown impact and commuter tips
Downtown Sioux Falls will experience short-term closures on several numbered streets and avenues, including portions of 9th, 8th and 6th Streets as well as N. Dakota Ave and N. Main St. Closures through the central business district are scheduled primarily during morning hours when many runners pass through central course sections.
Residents and commuters should expect lane restrictions, detours and increased pedestrian activity near the route. Travelers who normally use the affected streets in the morning are advised to plan alternate routes, leave extra time for appointments and follow directions from on-scene traffic control and police officers. Local businesses along the course should prepare for temporary access restrictions and plan deliveries or customer guidance accordingly.
| Street | Segment | Closed (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| N. Western Ave | Russell St to Burnside St | 6:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
| W. Madison St | Lyndale Ave to Menlo Ave | 6:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. |
| N. Phillips Ave | 9th St to Falls Park Dr | 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
Event scale and coordination
The marathon weekend offers multiple race distances — the full marathon, a half marathon and a 5K — and draws runners from across the country and internationally, according to the Sports Authority. That variety creates staggered start times and spreads participants across the course, influencing when different areas will be reopened.
Organizers thanked the city, police, volunteers and residents for supporting the event. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to check official race communications and the City of Sioux Falls announcements closer to Sept. 20 for any last-minute changes or additional detours.
For residents with questions about access or for businesses seeking specific guidance on deliveries and parking during the event, the Sioux Falls Sports Authority and the City’s event pages will be primary sources for updates. With the marathon now less than a month away, planning ahead will help minimize disruption and keep both runners and the community safe.
