Detroit Free Press Marathon warns that lightning could cancel Sunday's race

DETROIT – A statement posted to the Detroit Free Press Marathon Facebook page Saturday warned that thunder or lightning within 7 miles of Sunday's race will force the event to be canceled.

Rain is in the forecast.

View: More rain arriving for the weekend

Read the full statement below:

Runners, walkers and wheelers,

We're excited to kick off tomorrow's 40th anniversary of the Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon, but our race day weather forecast has changed. Our number one priority is runner safety and we'd like to ensure you're aware of our process and plan for inclement weather after the race begins. Note, as of right now, the race is on as usual.

In the event of a thunderstorm that produces lightning within 7 miles of our course, the race course will be evacuated and, unfortunately, the race will be canceled. Marathon staff, law enforcement and medical personnel on the course will direct you to the nearest shelter until it is safe.
In the unlikely scenario that we cancel the race and you are taking shelter on the Canadian side of the course, when it's safe, please make your way through the tunnel and back into the U.S. no later than 10:00 a.m. EST.

Our race team will continue to monitor the weather and provide you with any relevant updates via freep.com, email, and our Facebook page, should anything change.

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