Orlando to host runners from across the country for the U.S. Olympic Marathon trials; what to know

ORLANDO, Fla. — Run Orlando, run.

Runners from across the country are heading to Orlando for their chance to represent Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

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The nation’s top male and female long-distance runners are heading to the City Beautiful to compete in the trials.

Runners will make their way through downtown Orlando, making a few loops to complete the 26.2-mile course. The finish line is at Lake Eola Park.

Not participating? The city of Orlando is giving residents a chance to take part in the action as they cheer on runners with a free sign that reads, “The journey to Paris runs through downtown Orlando.”

The city if offering a few different designs to residents to put up in your front yard to inspire runners as they pass by.

Read: Dr. Phillips’ juice stand replica opens in Orlando’s Packing District

Residents can request to pick up signs at Orlando City Hall while supplies last.

“We are thrilled to once again host another marquee event that puts our community on the national stage,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a statement. “(The trials) not only showcase our status as the country’s top sports destination but also create an exciting opportunity to bring our residents together to cheer on our nation and support our top U.S. athletes.”

Orlando is the first city in Florida to host trials for this year’s Olympic games.

Read: See the new 6-story mural at the recently expanded Lake Eola Park

The trials will begin at 10 a.m. Feb. 3.

Streets near and along the route may be closed or have limited vehicle and/or pedestrian access during the event.

Read: Experience downtown Orlando in a new light with ‘Prismatica’

The marathon course will run through several neighborhoods, main streets and business districts in Orlando, including the Central Business District, the City District, South Eola, the Lake Eola Heights Historic District, the Lake Cherokee Historic District, Lake Davis-Greenwood, Lake Como, North Quarter, Lake Lawsona/Fern Creek, the SoDo District and the Thornton Park neighborhood and District.

It will then head east to and around The Milk District neighborhood and main street.

Check out an animated map of the course here:

Orlando set to host runners from across the U.S. at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Teams Trials – Marathon Orlando set to host runners from across the U.S. at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Teams Trials – Marathon (WFTV)

To learn more about the race, join Greg Warmoth for “Central Florida Spotlight” at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28 as he hosts guests Jon Hughes and Betsy Hughes -- the co-owners of Track Shack -- and Dr. George Eldayrie, the USATF Olympic Marathon Trials chief medical officer.

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