Will Savannah's new marathon be welcomed by the community? Here's what residents say

The "best case scenario" for the newly announced Every Woman's Marathon is for it to become a November destination event for female runners, said Joe Marinelli, president of Visit Savannah.

The City of Savannah announced Tuesday the Every Woman's Marathon would be held in November after the city declined to renew its contract with the Rock n' Roll marathon in 2022 after criticisms about its disruptions to Savannah's neighborhoods. There are hopes that if this year goes well with the new event, the partnership will extend to a second and third year, Marinelli said.

"We would love for it to be a long-term commitment," Marinelli said. "But we are managing our expectations to say if we do well in year one, we will bring them back in year two from there."

Read More: Savannah marathon announced for 2024. What to know about the race

Mayor Van Johnson said the race would come with minimal disruptions to residents, saying the race's organizers have met the city's marks for minimal resident impact. But stakeholders, from the city to neighborhoods to tourism, say the race's longterm future in Savannah depends on how well the city and organizers follow through on promises to collaborate with residents.

"It really comes down to how it's managed," said Nancy Maia, president of the Victorian Neighborhood Association.

The Victorian Neighborhood was one that experienced some of the most disruption from the Rock n' Roll marathon, which ended in Forsyth Park, shut down the weekly farmer's market and halted businesses on the park's southside.

November's race will finish at Trustee's Garden on East Broughton Street, allowing the Forsyth Farmers' Market to operate race weekend. The route, although it has not been finalized, will primarily feature south of the park, Johnson said. Maia said she had not been able to connect with business owner's previously impacted by the marathon, but believes the new route finish will be appreciated by the residents.

"I know that they will be very grateful that they were heard," Maia said.

More: City Talk: Savannah is better off without Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon

The race's website shows a general course map that signals a large portion of the race will take place downtown, with the start on Bay Street. Runners are expected to be clear of Bay Street by 9 a.m. and clear of the Historic District by 10 a.m. on race day, according to a city press release on the announcement.

David McDonald, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, said issues with the previous marathon primarily centered road access and egress, with residents being blocked into their homes due to road closures. On a call Monday with Savannah's neighborhood leaders, the city and race organizers pledged collaboration.

"I'm hoping the collaboration they have will talk with us, meet with us, listen to our concerns," McDonald said.

More: Tourism concerns rise for Savannah's downtown residents as city, industry seek balance

McDonald, along with members of the DNA, have helped lead a resident push for balance between tourism and industry. Johnson has made "livability" one of the calling cards of his second term, showing an intent to balance residential life with growing industry and tourism to the region.

When asked how to balance the long-term hopes for a destination race and not recreating an event similar to the Rock n' Roll marathon, Marinelli said it all rests on fulfilling the expectations all the stakeholders have agreed to.

"So what does that mean? That means playing by the rules that the city sets out. That means providing a terrific runner/visitor experience. That means cleaning up after yourself when it's over," Marinelli said.

The Every Woman's Marathon, which focuses on female participation but is open to any adult registrants, will draw an anticipated 5,000 runners, whereas the Rock n' Roll marathon consistently drew more than 10,000 participants across its marathon, half marathon and 5k.

Another key difference between the events is that the city and Visit Savannah are not footing the bill as it did with the Rock n' Roll marathon. The race sponsor Milk is taking on all operational costs.

John Smith, who served on the board of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in the race's early years, has been brought on as a race organizer. Johnson said that Smith's past experience gives him confidence November's race will fulfill the city's expectations.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah, Ga. marathon: New race should consider resident concerns