Bayahibe 10K: What to Know About Road Closures

BAYAHIBE, La Altagracia. — This coming Sunday, August y6, the usual rhythm of the picturesque coastal village of Bayahibe and the surrounding resort area of Dominicus will temporarily shift gears. The celebration of the highly anticipated Bayahibe 10K road race will bring together hundreds of runners, local athletes, and international visitors, prompting a special traffic management operation with street closures and vehicular restrictions starting early in the morning.

Municipal authorities, traffic officers, and the event organizing committee have established a comprehensive logistics plan designed to protect the safety of the marathoners and ensure the smooth execution of the race course. Residents, hotel staff, excursion transport operators, and tourists are urged to plan their trips to and from the coastal area well in advance.

Detailed Schedule of Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions

To avoid inconveniences on Sunday morning, drivers should take note of the specific times and road segments that will be closed to motorized traffic:

1. Central Bayahibe Area and Main Access Roads

• Bayahibe – Dominicus Highway (Section from the Gas Station to Hotel Catalonia): Will be fully closed starting at 6:15 a.m. until 7:45 a.m.
• Bayahibe Highway (From the gas station toward the village): The preventive closure will begin at 6:15 a.m. Vehicles needing to travel toward the main highways to Higüey and La Romana will be allowed through gradually starting at 6:45 a.m., with full reopening scheduled for 7:45 a.m.
• Bayahibe Beach and Cemetery Road (Camino al Cementerio): Vehicular access will be suspended from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• La Bahía Street: As one of the core areas of the competition with heavy pedestrian activity, it will remain closed to traffic from 6:15 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.

2. Dominicus Sector and Hotel Zone

• La Laguna Avenue and Fuller Avenue: Both major thoroughfares will experience complete closures starting at 6:25 a.m., with roads scheduled to reopen around 7:55 a.m.
• Los Corales Street: From the entrance of the Viva Dominicus Beach Hotel, access will be restricted from 6:15 a.m. until 8:20 a.m.

Key Recommendations for Visitors and Tour Operators

Since Bayahibe serves as the primary departure port for boat excursions to Saona Island and the Cotubanamá National Park, morning activities may experience minor operational adjustments. If you plan to travel or take part in tours on this date, please keep the following recommendations in mind:

1. Allow Extra Travel Time: If your commute involves the highways connecting Bayahibe with La Romana, Santo Domingo, or Punta Cana International Airport, try to travel before 6:00 a.m. or schedule your departure after 8:30 a.m.
2. Excursion Coordination: Tour agencies and boat captains are advised to inform their clients about the event and adjust meeting points or ground transport arrival times at the port.
3. Follow Traffic Instructions: DIGESETT traffic officers and race staff will be present throughout the morning to direct drivers to secondary routes and temporary detours.

Sports, Health, and Tourism Promotion

Beyond the brief disruption to traffic, the Bayahibe 10K has established itself as one of the most prominent sports and promotional events in the Dominican Republic’s Eastern region. The race not only encourages athletics and healthy living among the local community, but it also provides a boost to the local economy by attracting hundreds of athletes and their families. Many stay in local boutique hotels and all-inclusive resorts, as well as enjoy the vibrant dining scene in Bayahibe and Dominicus throughout the weekend.

Once the last participant crosses the finish line, authorities will begin reopening all streets sequentially, restoring normal traffic flow by mid-morning.