Extreme Heat Forces Cancellation of Two Major Minnesota Races

Record high temperatures and soaring humidity levels have led to the cancellation of two major long-distance races in Minnesota's largest cities. These events were anticipated to attract around 20,000 participants.

The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, set to journey from Minneapolis to neighboring St. Paul, was expected to draw approximately 8,000 runners before organizers made the decision to cancel it early on a Sunday. The organizing body, Twin Cities in Motion, also called off a separate 10-mile race that was set to have 12,000 participants.

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

Leading up to the race day, organizers had been cautioning about the possibility of unsafe weather conditions. They had considered proceeding with additional safety measures. However, on Sunday morning, a "black flag" warning was issued, ultimately leading to the event's cancellation.

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

Despite the warnings, some runners had gathered for the race's start early Sunday and indicated their intention to run regardless of the cancellation.