Early storm forces delay of Oklahoma City Marathon

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Severe storms forced organizers to delay the Oklahoma City Marathon just before runners were set to take the course.

Sunday’s race was scheduled to start at 6:30 a.m., but inclement weather that formed west of the city moved into the area around sunrise. Organizers said they would push the race back by at least 90 minutes to let the storm move through. Downtown buildings opened to provide shelter to the runners.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for downtown Oklahoma City, where the 26.2-mile race starts. It warned of wind gusts to 50 mph and quarter-sized hail.

The Storm Prediction Center says conditions will be worse later Sunday to the east of Oklahoma City. It says tornadoes are possible from Nebraska and Iowa southward to north Louisiana.