ANTELOPE ISLAND, Utah (ABC4) — The Antelope Island Buffalo Run was canceled this past weekend because the biting gnats on the island hatched early because of the heat wave.
Each spring, Massif Running hosts the Buffalo Run, a trail race on Antelope Island that offers runners great views of the Great Salt Lake.
This year, 650 runners were set to compete in the race, and reportedly, this cancellation is unprecedented in the event’s 20-year history. According to co-event director Finn Melanson, next year’s event has been moved forward two weeks to March 13, 2027, to try to create a buffer so this doesn’t happen again.
Heat wave means that biting insects at Antelope Island will hatch early: How to prepare for a visit
Two weeks ago, officials at Antelope Island State Park said that they were expecting the biting midges, also known as ‘no see ums,’ to hatch early this spring because of the heatwave. Typically, they hatch in early- to mid-April. Their bites create itchy, irritating spots, and unlike other bugs, they are resistant to insect repellants…