18 Mile Run: Important Update on Sunday's Race Conditions
The Race Committee is in close communication with the Long Beach Township Police Department and is tracking the developing weekend weather and storm report very closely. Your safety, and the safety of all personnel on the course, is our absolute top priority.
Current Sunday Forecast & Critical Flooding Concern
The current forecast for Sunday, October 12th, indicates we should expect to deal with wind and rain throughout the course of the day. We are prepared for these conditions, and our full intention is to conduct the race regardless of the wind and rain.
However, the critical concern specific to Long Beach Island is potential tidal and storm-related flooding on Long Beach Boulevard.
Flooding Risk: Flooding on the south end of the island, where the race begins, is historically more prevalent and a significant factor for both the 18 Mile Run and the 12K.
The Best Case Scenario is in Our Favor:
Low tide in Beach Haven is predicted for 9:30 AM, which is highly favorable for our 10:00 AM start time. We are hoping to utilize this window of lowest water levels to complete the majority of the race before the weather worsens.
Heavier Weather: Heavier rain and stronger winds are predicted for later in the day on Sunday, following our scheduled race window.
Worst Case Scenario & Contingency Plan
We want to be completely transparent about the single factor that could force a cancellation: complete road closure due to flooding.
Worst Case: The Boulevard becomes completely flooded and unpassable to any traffic, particularly in critical access points like Ship Bottom. This scenario would cut off essential emergency services, runner transportation, and access/egress for everyone.
Cancellation: In the event that flooding cuts off the Boulevard and creates an unsafe, unpassable course for participants and emergency vehicles, we could be forced to cancel both races.
Our Pledge
We are committed to putting on a great race! We are working in the interest of everyone's safety and will continue to monitor the forecast minute-by-minute with local law enforcement. We are optimistic that the tide and weather windows will allow us to proceed as planned.
Please stay tuned for an additional update on Friday morning, October 10th.
Thank you for your understanding and for being part of this great LBI tradition!
Sincerely,
The Long Beach Island 18 Mile Run & 12K Race Committee
