Few issues can be as contentious as schedules. That's what Washington mayor Anthony A. Williams found out when the D.C. Marathon was scheduled for March 24—Palm Sunday. The closing of major streets was a prospective nightmare for congregations, which see attendance explode during Holy Week.

After an ecumenical service was quickly laughed off as "ludicrous," reports The Washington Post, the mayor worked with each of the affected congregations to find solutions.

By Palm Sunday, only about 19 churches were directly affected. More area churches will benefit from the fallout, however—from now on, a pastor will be present at Cabinet-level meetings.

News coverage of the Palm Sunday Marathon includes:

For Churches, D.C. Race an Unholy Mess — The Washington Post (March 25, 2002)

Churches run into traffic jam — The Washington Times (March 25, 2002)

Running a Marathon Is Hard — The Washington Post (March 20, 2002)

Clergy Remain Fretful Over Race — The Washington Post (March 17, 2002)

D.C. Clergy Decry Date Of Marathon — The Washington Post (Dec. 4, 2002)