Madison Marathon faces cancellation

MADISON (WMTV) - Organizers say there is a "significant chance" they will cancel the full Madison Marathon race on Sunday.

If canceled, marathon runners will be offered spots in the half marathon, which will be extended so runners can slow their pace adjusting to the heat. Aid stations, police and other officials will divert away from the full marathon course to support more runners in the half marathon.

"The indication is right now that we are going to have a warm, hot and humid race day," said race director Keith Peterson. "Our average finish time for the full marathon was 4:14 minutes, so that puts the majority of runners out there until 11:15, so yes that creates a dangerous situation."

Unlike cancellations in 2006 and 2010 due to heat, staff say they'll make a final decision before the race by Friday at 4 p.m.

Organizers say they have not decided whether they will offer refunds if the full marathon is canceled. Participants will still get their finishing medals and other prizes.

This year a 10K race is also scheduled at twilight on Saturday.