CNN
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Due to unprecedented heat in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the annual Twin Cities Marathon has unfortunately been cancelled, as reported by marathon organizers Sunday morning.
According to organizers, the event, which was scheduled to start at 7 a.m. local time, was anticipated to attract 300,000 spectators.
Weather forecasters predicted a scorching 91 degrees Fahrenheit for the day, a temperature uncommon for this time of year in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, where the average high is typically around 66 degrees.
Race communications manager Charlie Mahler shared in an interview with CNN’s Omar Jimenez and Amara Walker, “Although it’s a difficult decision, cancelling the event was the right call.”
Marathon organizers added in a statement, “We regretfully announce the cancellation due to the latest weather forecast update, which predicts record-breaking heat that would jeopardize the safety of participants, supporters, and volunteers.”
The statement further emphasized, “Our utmost priority is ensuring safety for all involved. Extreme heat conditions can put a strain on runners and medical response systems.”
The marathon organizers closely monitored the weather conditions for several days as temperatures continued to rise, Mahler explained.
In terms of runners’ reactions, Mahler stated, “There’s a mix of emotions. Some might be relieved that the decision was made for them, while others believe they can push through the challenging conditions.”
Up until Saturday night, organizers had been providing regular updates to the community, and the race was still scheduled to proceed.
Mahler assured, “We have a comprehensive protocol in place. We were aware of the warm and humid conditions we would face during race week.”
“However,” Mahler added, “the forecast conditions deteriorated significantly overnight, leading us to make the cancellation call in the early hours of the morning.”
Despite the official cancellation, Matt Anderson, a participant, alongside a group of fellow runners, decided to go ahead with the race, as stated in an interview with CNN affiliate WCCO.
Anderson expressed, “I understand the safety concerns and the need for the right decision. However, personally, I still want to run today.”
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