Runner switching gears after full marathon canceled

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — There’s a big change for the Sioux Falls marathon.

The 26.2 mile race is canceled because of high heat and humidity in the forecast.

In a press release, the Sioux Falls Marathon says the decision was made with direction from its medical team.

Sioux Falls native Phillip Griffith is in town from Michigan.

Phillp planned on marking a milestone in his hometown this weekend: running his 100th marathon.

“There’s nothing like finishing a full to really get a sense of accomplishment,” Phillip Griffith said.

But with a muggy Sunday in the forecast, plans have changed.

“Well, I was 50 percent expecting it because it’s probably the right decision,” Phillip Griffith said.

While Phillip is a little disappointed he won’t hit the 100 mark in Sioux Falls, he also feels relieved about the cancellation.

“Part of it’s the people around you. When you’re pacing, you’re doing it to help others, and a lot of people, they’re doing their first marathon, they’ve done one or two, it was cool, they had a good day, whatever. And all of a sudden they get to experience starting too fast and having a really bad ten miles and when it’s hot and humid and unsafe that can be really miserable for people,” Phillip Griffith said.

Runners will still lace up their shoes this weekend.

The half marathon and 5K are still on.

Phillip will run the half marathon, and his father Dan will be cheering him on.

“It’s something we look forward to,” Dan Griffith said.

“You learn to adjust. You can’t control everything. You control the controllables. You can control your pace. You can control your training, hydration, but you can’t control the weather, so you just adjust and move one,” Griffith said.

Phillip now plans on running his 100th marathon in Chicago in October.

Full marathon runners can choose to run the half marathon or 5K on Sunday or defer their entry to next year.