The much anticipated University of Florida Relays will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Thursday night's forecast looks a little sketchy. So what's the latest? We've got you covered!
THURSDAY NOON UPDATE
According to the Weather Channel, things continue to improve in Gainesville...
5PM 55% Chance of Rain
6PM 60%
7PM 30%
8PM 30%
9PM 30%
THURSDAY 10AM
No official update from UF, but the weather forecast is starting to look much more promising for tonight's races!
5PM 70% Chance of Rain
6PM 60%
7PM 30%
8PM 30%
9PM 30%
So if this holds out, races tonight may be delayed, but might all get going tonight. Hooray!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT UPDATE
As of 11:30PM on Wednesday night things are not looking great for tomorrow night's events. Rain chances of 100% are reported by weather.com currently from 4PM to 5PM. That drops to 90% at 6PM, and 60% between 7PM and 8PM. Rain chances will quickly die down after 9:00. Friday and Saturdy are looking great with 10-20% chance of spotty showers and temperatures in the 70s.
According to a University of Florida official, all attempts are being made to run as many of the races on Thursday night as possible. If the rain does get in the way, they will get off as many as they can--based on the meet referee's decision on safety--this may include shooting some races off after 9PM when some of the troubling weather may clear.
"Certainly we are going to move forward and try to get the meet in (on Thursday)," said the University of Florida representative, "but we are not going to make a decision until sometime tomorrow (afternoon). The weather could clear out, but we do have contigencies in place if we are forced to cancel Thursday."
If any or all of the races can not go off on Thursday, they will be postponed to Friday or Saturday. There is adequate padding build into the schedule, including the ability to run some events on Friday and Saturday mornings. The first scheduled track event on Friday is 10AM and the Saturday track session does not start until noon. Moving any postponed Thursday events to the morning sessions will be the first choice should it become necessary.
Further Updates
We will be keeping in touch with officials at the University of Florida over the next 24 hours and post any updates here and on Twitter.
More Information
Heat Sheets
