It is with deep disappointment that the Merrell Skyrunner® World Series has today announced the cancellation of the Minotaur SkyRace, originally scheduled for Saturday 21st of June, due to an official extreme weather warning issued for the area. Forecasts indicate heavy rainfall and snow, creating hazardous conditions on the course and surrounding access roads.
After monitoring the weather forecast and evaluating the weather alert issued by Environment Canada for Crowsnest Pass, a decision has been made to cancel the Minotaur Skyrace.
“We support the decision of the organiser. The safety of our athletes, volunteers, spectators, and support teams is our top priority. After consulting with local authorities, emergency services, and the local mountain safety team, it has been determined that proceeding with the race would pose unacceptable risks. We understand how much time and dedication our athletes have invested in preparing for this race, and this decision was not made lightly,” said Seana Forbes, Head of Operations for the MSWS. “However, the safety of everyone involved must always come first. The current conditions make it impossible to guarantee a safe and fair race.”
“A special alert has been issued for the area calling for heavy precipitation, cold temperatures, and strong winds. Even at lower elevations on the course, or a modified course, these conditions still pose too high of a risk to responsibly continue on with the event, in any form. Racer and volunteer safety is of utmost importance to us, and we have to respect the conditions that are being presented to us by Mother Nature. This decision has not been made lightly; but, through a careful evaluation of our internal safety protocols and external discussions with our mountain medical team, and local mountain safety resources“, comments Andrew Fairhurst, Race Director of Minotaur Skyrace. “Organizing a skyrunning race comes with a certain amount of risk and unpredictability, and while we have been fortunate with the weather in past years, we have to accept that is not the case this year.”
The series continues next weekend with Ibarra Skyrace in Ecuador on the 29th of June.
