Hyannis Marathon Canceled Following Unprecedented Snow

BARNSTABLE (CBS) -- The record-setting snowfall has canceled a premier racing event for New England runners.

Hyannis Marathon organizers said current weather conditions and the state of the roads would not allow them to safely hold the marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay or 10K races on Sunday. The region has seen several feet of snow in just a few weeks.

"Town of Barnstable officials including police, fire and DPW met and decided that the town roads and parking would not be safe or adequate for a large event," a message on the marathon website stated.

The Cape Cod Times reports there are no refunds, just a $15 discount on future races, for the nearly 4,500 pre-registered runners who paid between $45 and $121 to participate. But the newspaper said runners can still pick up T-shirts and medals next week.

The course passes along Cape Cod beaches and the Kennedy Family Compound in Hyannis Port. Local runners use the race as an opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon "or to just get moving again after a winter of cold and slow runs," according to the race's website.