Alaska marathon allows runners to defer entry due to smoke

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Runners registered for an Alaska marathon will be allowed to defer their entries until next year due to wildfire smoke.

KTUU-TV reported Tuesday that Mount Marathon race officials made the announcement following a state air quality advisory for Southcentral Alaska.

The deferment option is open for any registered racer who completes a deferred entry form for the annual Independence Day event 127 miles (204 kilometers) south of Anchorage.

A race coordinator says runners can collect their bibs up to one hour before race time on July 4.

The official says the deadline allows racers to make last-minute decisions based on air quality.

Runners opting out must submit the deferment form by July 5 at 11:59 p.m.
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Information from: KTUU-TV, http://www.ktuu.com