Muddy River Marathon canceled due to construction in Cape Girardeau

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Organizers of the Muddy River Marathon have canceled this year’s race after being notified of major construction along a key portion of the course.

Race officials said the City of Cape Girardeau informed them that a significant section of the route would undergo construction beginning the week of March 20 and continuing through early fall 2026.

Organizers explored alternate routes but said proposed changes would not meet the quality standards participants have come to expect.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision,” race organizers said, noting many runners had already been training and preparing for the event.

Registered participants are being offered several options, including deferring their registration to 2027, completing a virtual half marathon during the month of May, donating their registration fee or requesting a refund.

Organizers also said they have partnered with the Iron Mom Half Marathon in Paducah, Kentucky, scheduled for May 9, to offer Muddy River participants discounted early registration pricing. Participants can find additional details and a discount code through email.

The Muddy River Marathon is a nonprofit event, and organizers said they still plan to provide donations to four local charities this year.