MINNEAPOLIS — Organizers have canceled the Minneapolis Marathon due to lightning and heavy downpours.

The race was scheduled to begin Sunday at 6:30 a.m. The start was delayed for more than an hour before officials decided to call off the marathon, half-marathon and relay races.

Organizers posted a statement on Facebook citing lightning strikes on the course and predictions of further severe weather. They say it was a “very difficult call” but one made with the safety of runners in mind.

The National Weather service said 2 to 5 inches of rain fell, and another 3 inches could fall as the storms continue through today.