A forecast that record high temperatures and humidity would create “extreme and dangerous” conditions prompted organizers to cancel two long-distance races Sunday in Minnesota's two largest cities that were expected to draw up to 20,000 runners.

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon from Minneapolis to neighboring St. Paul had been expected to draw up to 8,000 runners when organizers called it off early Sunday. The organizers, Twin Cities in Motion, also canceled a separate 10-mile race drawing 12,000 runners.

In an email to race participants early Sunday, race organizers said: “The latest weather forecast update projects record-setting heat conditions that do not allow a safe event for runners, supporters and volunteers.”

In the days leading up to Sunday's race, organizers had warned that weather conditions could be unsafe. But the race was expected to still be held, with additional safety precautions in place. By Sunday morning, a “black flag" warning was issued, prompting the event's cancellation.

The National Weather Service predicted a midday high Sunday of 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius).

Some runners had lined up for the race's start early Sunday and told the Minneapolis Star Tribune they planned to run anyway.

Share:
More In Sports
ClassPass CEO on the Company's New $85 Million Funding
Fitness platform ClassPass raised $85 million in new funding, bringing its total amount raised to $255 million. CEO Fritz Lanman breaks down his expansion plans and why Classpass wants to be your one-stop shop for both fitness and wellness.
How FIFA eWorld Cup is Globalizing eSports
Alex Betancourt, Sole North American competitor in the 2018 FIFA eWorld Cup, sat down with MLS's Senior Director of Properties and Cheddar anchors to discuss the challenges facing eSports--and the potential for e-games to triumph as The Grand Finale looms.
Deloitte Analyst Urges Investors to Ride the eSports Wave
eSports are growing rapidly and fans are spending hours upon hours streaming their favorites. Pete Giorgio, Lead of U.S. Sports at Deloitte, explains the sudden growth in the industry and what more traditional leagues can learn from eSports.
Esports Deal with ESPN Boosts Overwatch Viewership
Nicole Carpenter, Reporter at Dot, claims the ESPN esports deal is responsible for the spike in Overwatch League viewership. Carpenter predicts on Cheddar the Philly Fusion will emerge the victor this Friday at the finals.
Load More