High temps cut marathon short

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has been cut short due to high temperatures.

Just before noon, race organizers decided to close the course at the half-way point.

"We had a contingency plan that if the heat was higher than we expected and if the runners weren't performing accordingly, we could close the course," said Marianne Caponi, race spokeswoman.

The marathon runs 26.2 miles and people are being diverted at about 13.5 miles and being shuttled to the finish line area. There are about 37,500 people in the race.

"We're getting them back into Grant Park so they can have all the finish line amenities," said Caponi.

This is the first time the course has been shut down.

"It's in the best interest of everyone's safety," said Caponi.

Temperatures on Sunday soared into the mid-80s. Last year during the marathon, people were bundling up because of cold temperatures.

"This will be the hottest day we've ever had in the marathon," said Caponi.