Runners take to the streets of Portland early Sunday, Oct. 6, and many areas in the central city will be closed to vehicles along the route of this year’s Portland Marathon presented by OHSU Health. Both the marathon and half-marathon kick off about 7 a.m., but streets, bridges and roads along the route may close several hours earlier.

The Portland Marathon course goes through 20 neighborhoods. During the race, it will not be possible to drive or cross any street on the route.

Officials are warning drivers and pedestrians to potentially find alternative routes this weekend due to several downtown bridges being impacted by the Portland Marathon.

This festival can trace its history back more than 70 years when women in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland started an event to raise money for the building of a new church. Since then, community members have gathered to celebrate Greek culture through dancing, music, and wonderful food each fall.