'Formula Run' a success despite traffic woes

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Traffic troubles Saturday outside the Circuit of The Americas race track caused a gridlock as thousands arrived for the first-ever Formula Run, sponsored in part by KXAN.
 
But the troubles because of weather, huge turnout, and a lack of roads to the track provided a lesson before the big F1 race.

Circuit of The Americas is saying although there were some issues with traffic and congestion they're hoping their transportation plan will have things running a little smoother come F1 weekend on Nov. 16 to Nov. 18.

There will be two shuttle locations set up-- one at Centennial park, and the other at The Travis County Expo Center.

Drivers can park and ride to the track the day of the race, which should help with the congestion.

With more than 5,000 people participating in Formula Run, the race got off to a late start after some runners had to wait up to 45 minutes just to drive half a mile. Runners say most of the congestion was near the new State Highway 130 toll road.

"If this is indicative of the F1 weekend coming up there are going to be some big problems," said Scott Hutchinson, a Formula Run race participant.

"We will have all entrances open on race weekend, with our full shuttle system working, and traffic management positioned around the surrounding highways and county roads getting motorists and shuttle buses through any congestion," CoTA officials wrote in a statement released to the media.

Overall, runners said they enjoyed taking part in the first big event on the track.

"Everyone was having a good time out there and everyone was enjoying it," said Brenda Howell, a race participant. "A lot of people have tickets for the race and wanted to see it first-hand."