Wildfires lead to cancellation of 2017 Sport Chek Kamloops Marathon

The 2017 Sport Chek Kamloops Marathon, slated for July 23, has been cancelled.

Wildfires have impacted the region and the air quality in Kamloops, B.C., according to the Government of Canada, is listed as “high risk” as of Tuesday afternoon.

The race posted the following notice on Facebook:

“The Sport Chek Kamloops Marathon has been cancelled due to circumstances out of our control, however, with the support of our generous sponsors, DoubleTree and Nature’s Fare, we are hosting a free pancake breakfast for wildfire evacuees—and those supporting the evacuees—on Sunday, July 23, from 8 am to 10 am at McArthur Island.”

Additional information can be found in the below Facebook post.

According to local reporter Marty Hastings, entrants have the option of receiving a full refund, donating the registration fee to wildfire recovery or rolling the registration forward to 2018. The race is currently in its sixth year.

Those registered for #Kamloops Marathon, 3 options: Full refund, donate registration fee to wildfire recovery, roll over reg to next year.

— Marty Hastings (@MarTheReporter) July 18, 2017

“Kamloops, is stretched to the limit supporting families who have been displaced and have sought refuge in our amazing city,” says race director Charlie Bruce. The Boston Marathon qualifier was expected to draw as many as 700 runners as part of race weekend, which also features a 3K, 8K, half-marathon and marathon relay.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIPsSpcDW0b/

More information can be found at the race website.