Avoid street closures

A marathon task made simple: The best routes to Fashion on Sale this weekend

Photo via Houston Marathon Committee
Photo via Houston Marathon Committee

Yeah, yeah, running is great exercise and all, but who are we kidding? Spandex and tennis shoes pale in comparison to couture.

This weekend, once you're done cheering on loved ones at the best spots to catch the Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, do something for you and scope out the deals at CultureMap's Fashion On Sale.

Unfortunately, tens of thousands of runners and two days of road closures will provide significant and literal barriers to a fantastic shopping experience. Let us help you out.

On Saturday

Most vehicle-bound Houstonians will fare well during Saturday's Olympic trials. The races begin at 8 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. — and runners finish in as little as 2:07:37 — so most participants should be off of the roads long before noon.

Plus, the Olympic qualifiers will be limited to a loop between South Shepherd Drive and Discovery Green, along Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive.

If you're in downtown, park north of McKinney Street or south of Bell Street for the least inconvenience and the easiest getaway.

Sunday is more complicated

The courses for both the half marathon and full marathon on Sunday are more meandering, and traffic will be maddening at different times throughout downtown, Montrose, West University, the Galleria and Memorial Park, where runners and spectators will take over the streets.

The race will begin around 7 a.m. near Minute Maid Park, heading north on Elysian Street through the Heights, along Quitman Street/White Oak Drive, turning south on Studemont Street/Montrose Boulevard.

At Richmond Avenue, half marathon runners will loop back north to Allen Parkway and through downtown to the finish line at Discovery Green. The marathon course continues west, north and then east again, creating a bit of a hassle for anyone who lives outside of Upper Kirby, River Oaks or Montrose.

But never fear:

If approaching West Ave from the Heights or Rice Military, your best bet will be to take Heights Boulevard to Waugh Drive, or I-610 S to the San Felipe exit. All of Shepherd Drive's southbound lanes will be closed from 6 a.m. until after 12:30 p.m., and Allen Parkway east of Shepherd Drive will be occupied until around 1:15 p.m.
From downtown: Take 59 S, exit Kirby Drive.
From West University: Before 9 a.m., take 59 to I-610 N to San Felipe Street. The blockades at University Boulevard and Kirby Drive should be lifted by 10:17 a.m.

Avoid a late arrival by anticipating traffic and leaving early. See a full list of road closures and anticipated re-opening times here.

Fashion On Sale takes place at West Ave at River Oaks and on Friday (VIP shopping party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m. to 12 p.m. early admission, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. general admission) and Sunday (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. general admission). Purchase your tickets in advance here.

unspecified

WEATHER WATCH

Houston will have vivid sunsets and air quality issues from Saharan dust

Silhouette of electricity pylon against orange sky,San Antonio,Texas,United States,USA

Getty Images

The Saharan dust cloud causes vibrant sunrises and sunsets.

An annual meteorological phenomenon has blown in to make Houston's sunsets a little more spectacular. A huge Sahara Desert dust cloud made its way to the Houston area on June 29, bringing hazy skies. The bad news is that air quality might worsen; the good news is that locals can expect a week of Technicolor twilights.

According to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, the dust is caused by the 2.5-mile-thick Saharan Air Layer, which is associated with “warmth, dryness, and strong winds.” That has strong effects on weather patterns, including lessening the intensity of cyclones. ABC13 meteorologist Travis Herzog shared an image of the dust cloud on Threads.

View on Threads

But Saharan dust can also wreak havoc on health. The fine particulate matter can trigger symptoms for locals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Those sensitive to atmospheric irritation may experience sneezing, coughing, a scratchy throat, or shortness of breath. Some studies have even linked it with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that people with underlying conditions stay indoors during dust storms. The vibrant red, orange, and yellow skies can still be enjoyed with the comfort of air conditioning.

The blast of cold air will be welcome to everyone as the Sahara dust can also cause some of the hottest days of the year. NOAA says that is because the thick cloud can stifle cooling afternoon thunderstorms.

Still, Houstonians might want to step outside to snap a pic of the breathtaking skies. The vivid dusks and dawns are caused by the sun’s rays scattering the dust particles in the atmosphere. Sunrises and sunsets typically take on warmer hues as low-angle sunlight passes through the atmosphere, but the dust particles enhance the striking effect.

National Weather Service forecasts say that this year’s cloud will only bring light concentrations with no major impacts on visibility. The phenomenon is expected to dissipate by the end of the week.

sahara dust health meteorology sunsets air quality sunrises weather