Rain– The event will NOT be cancelled due to rain alone unless the downpour is such that athletes, police, and volunteers lose visibility or there is a threat of flash flooding, making situations unsafe. If this occurs we will wait until the rain subsides and follow the same procedure listed for lightning conditions (minus the 30 minute rule). Athletes will be informed of such a change via announcements on race morning. Information will also be available on our website, Facebook, and by email.
Lightning – In the event of lightning the race will be postponed by 30 minutes every time lightning is spotted and thunder is heard within 6 miles of the event. Please note that every time lightning strikes and thunder is heard within 6 miles of any part of the race course, we must restart the timing of 30 minutes increments. We will be working closely with a local meteorologist to make these determinations.
If we are able to begin the race by 7:45 (45 minute delay) the race will go on as planned. If we are able to begin the race between 7:45 and 8:00 (1 hour delay), we will alter the race, and run only the Half Marathon course, thus cancelling the Marathon. At that point, Marathoners would run the Half Marathon course, and would receive the Marathon medal.
If the race must be delayed over 1 hour, the race will be cancelled.
Tornado Warning – If at anytime before (race morning close to start time) or during the event, a tornado warning is issued, the race will be cancelled.
On Course Cancellation – If the race is canceled due to storms (lightning and/or excessive rain) or tornado warnings while it is in progress we will do everything in our power to alert everyone on the course. Race officials will immediately communicate with police, who will immediately begin doing all they can to warn participants and direct them to safety. We will do everything in our power to assist those who are still on course. If you see lightening during the race, you should seek immediate shelter via open stores, buildings, garages, homes and/or any other means of protection from the dangerous conditions. If it gets bad and we are not there to help you off the course please do everything you can to keep yourself safe and take shelter. Again, if you are told by a race official or police officer to reroute and take shelter during the race, know that the race has been officially cancelled.
Because of agreements with the Conway Police Department and Emergency Response Personnel regarding a fixed amount of time to have roads in use or the time commitment of public safety or law enforcement officials, Soaring Wings Marathon, at any time, reserves the right to shorten the distance of any of its races to comply, especially in dealing with inclement weather conditions that may make any course unavailable or unsuitable for runner participation. We have the safety of our participants, volunteers, police and medical personnel as our top priority.
Please be aware that if weather conditions prevent race staff and volunteers from completing set up in a timely manner, the race could also be delayed for these reasons.
If the need for a cancellation arises, please be reminded that there will be no refunds of registration fees.