STILLWATER, Okla. — The Mid South Gravel race, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, has been canceled as high winds and multiple wildfires sweep through Oklahoma.
Update Saturday, 12:00 am local time: Mid South is officially canceled. As wildfires continue to spread, organizers have stated, "All efforts, support, and energy are being sent to fight this wildfire tragedy in our home that we love so much."
The following is the latest update shared to Instagram:
Update Friday, 8:00 pm local time: Organizers have announced their intention to run the race Saturday provided they receive the go-ahead from city partners and the safety management team.
Escape Collective has been informed by those close to the race organizer that the deceision will likely come down to EMS and local Fire Departments making a call between 10 pm and midnight. So a final call is expected by then.
Mid South organizers released the following on Instagram:
On Friday, organizers were forced to evacuate runners still on course during the event’s running races as conditions deteriorated and wind gusts topped 50 mph (80 kph). The extreme winds contributed to rapidly spreading fires, creating hazardous conditions across the region.
Those set up at the event's expo were forced to close up shop early due the high winds. "We actually left town because we could not keep our tent up at the expo and it took a while to get out of town because there were so many fires," said a Wove Saddles staff member who was exhibiting. "We are about 45 minutes away and there are still fires way out here too. 50 to 70 mph winds."
The Mid South Gravel race is one of the most significant early-season events on the U.S. gravel calendar, serving as an early proving ground for both elite and amateur riders. Known for its challenging red dirt roads and unpredictable weather, the event has built a reputation as a must-do race in the gravel community.
Mid South’s organizers have yet to make a final decision regarding Saturday’s gravel race, but worsening conditions have raised serious concerns about participant safety. The event, known for its unpredictable early-season conditions, has never faced a cancellation due to extreme weather of this scale.
Authorities across Oklahoma have reported multiple fires fueled by the intense winds, prompting evacuations and emergency response efforts. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the region, with high winds expected to persist through the weekend.
"Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority crews are reporting numerous highway and interstate closures due to crashes, wind and visibility issues including major corridors of I-35, I-40 and turnpikes in the central and western areas of the state," the Oklahoma Department of Transportation wrote in a news release. "Unnecessary travel is discouraged. Conditions are rapidly changing and expected to last into the evening. If drivers must travel, use the Drive Oklahoma app or oktraffic.org to check route status in real time."
Event officials are expected to provide an update on the race status soon.
This story is developing.
Did we do a good job with this story?
