What Happens if it Rains?
🌧️ Weather & Race Day: What to Know
One of the most common questions we receive is about weather on race day—especially rain.
Will the event be canceled if it rains?
Short answer: no.
CaliFlow Runs events are rain or shine. Our races take place outdoors, and weather is part of the experience. Light rain, steady rain, wind, or even heavy rain does not automatically stop an event from happening.
With over 50 events each year, chances are high that you’ll see at least one recent race on our calendar that took place during a serious downpour—and yes, the race still happened, everyone finished safely, and we all survived. That’s simply part of hosting outdoor events.
If you’re ever curious, feel free to browse our race history at CaliFlowRuns.com and see how often events move forward as planned, regardless of the forecast.
🚫 Cancellations & Refunds
Events are not canceled or refunded due to weather. When you register, your entry immediately goes toward things that must be paid for well before race day—permits, insurance, medals, timing, staff, equipment, food, and production.
To put it simply: imagine planning a big outdoor party. You’ve paid for the venue, permits, rentals, food, and staff days or weeks in advance. If it rains, those costs don’t disappear—and neither does the event.
That’s how races work, too. Weather doesn’t change the behind-the-scenes work or the expenses required to safely and legally put on an event. The race still happens, and we’re there to deliver the full experience.
🚨 When Would an Event Be Canceled?
An event would only be canceled in extreme circumstances, such as:
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A directive from the City of Operation, or
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A physical in person shutdown by local law enforcement for safety reasons
Outside of these situations, the event will proceed as scheduled.
🌈 Embracing the Elements
Rain often turns race day into a shared adventure—cooler temperatures, memorable moments, and a stronger sense of community. Some of our most talked-about events have happened in less-than-perfect weather.
No matter the forecast, you can expect:
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A clearly marked course
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Staff and volunteers on site
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A start line ready
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A finish line waiting to celebrate you
Rain or shine—CaliFlow Runs shows up.
See you at the start line. 🏁💙
🌧️ What Happens During Heavy Rain or High Winds?
In the case of a serious downpour or high winds, race day still happens—but the setup may look a little different.
Safety always comes first.
On days with extreme weather, our team adjusts the event layout to keep runners, volunteers, and staff safe while still delivering a smooth race experience.
Here’s what may be modified:
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Fewer photo backdrops or decorative elements
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The inflatable arch may not be set up
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Fewer tents and shade structures
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Tablecloths and lightweight décor may be removed
These items can become unsafe in high wind or heavy rain and may be intentionally limited or removed.
What does change behind the scenes:
On extreme weather days, our crew actually arrives earlier than usual—often around 3:00 AM instead of 4:00 AM—to:
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Add extra weight to equipment
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Drive foot-long stakes deep into the ground
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Secure timing gear, signage, and start/finish infrastructure
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Ensure the course is safe, clearly marked, and staffed
The focus shifts from aesthetics to function, stability, and safety.
💧 Water Stations in Severe Weather
During heavy rain or high winds, we may reduce on-course water stations to one staffed water station.
In extreme weather, it’s not safe or practical to pre-fill water cups. Wind can blow cups over, contaminate them, or send them airborne. Instead, water is handed out as needed by staff to ensure cleanliness and safety.
This setup requires two staff members at the station—one to manage water and one to safely hand cups to runners—so consolidating to a single station allows us to provide hydration responsibly without putting volunteers or participants at risk.
We encourage runners to plan accordingly by:
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Carrying their own hydration if needed
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Slowing the pace and listening to their body
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Using the staffed station as needed along the course
Hydration remains available—just delivered in a safer, more controlled way.
What stays the same:
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The race distances
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The marked course
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Timing and results
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Staff and volunteers on site
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Finishers medals
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The community, energy, and support at the finish line
Even when the setup is simplified, the heart of the event remains the same: you, your miles, and your moment.
Rain may change the look—but it never changes the commitment.
