RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Nearly 40,000 runners and tons of spectators showed up for Saturday's Anthem Richmond Marathon, but it didn't end at the finish line. Several drivers were stuck in a gridlock and redirected to the Downtown Expressway near Adam and Canal Streets.
"If I go in that direction, it's going to lead to a lot of trouble,” Mark Rittman said.
CBS 6's Sandra Jones asked if he knew about the marathon.
"I knew there was a marathon," Rittman replied, "but I also knew I have to return a rental to 5th and Broad."
Marathon organizers released a detailed map of the traffic pattern changes and street closures months leading up to the event. Although, a majority of people were unaware that they would be redirected to a toll way.
Jacob Grange waited in the mile long line to reach the toll booth.
"I didn't have any change on me," Grange said. "So, the person behind me ended up giving me some change to pay the toll."
The Richmond Metropolitan Authority, who manages the toll system, had only one message up on their website alerting the public about the Anthem Richmond Marathon.
Staff members at Sports Backers told CBS 6 they encourage participants to use the interstate to get around downtown.
"I can imagine that would catch people off guard," Sports Backers spokesperson, Jackie Stoneburner, said. "Maybe we can do a better job with signage in the future or a better job on our website explaining that."
