We wrote for Monday's paper about Sunday's canceled Minneapolis Marathon and half marathon. There was not shortage of angst over the weather-based decision, including one #truther on Facebook who accused the race organizers, Team Ortho, of running a Ponzi scheme.

Yikes.

There were also plenty of folks asking for refunds, even though that kind of thing isn't really in the cards. The disclaimers tell you what you signed up for. The hay is already in the barn, so to speak.

That said, Team Ortho e-mailed those affected by the cancelation this afternoon with an offer that, while not a refund, does figure to appease the masses:

Because of the inconvenience, we would like to offer you one choice among the following options (please read to the bottom for all the details):

You are welcome to select any one of these three options:

$20.00 race entry price. This is for any distance (with medal but NO gear) in a 2014 Team Ortho Series Race* or 2015 Minneapolis Marathon, Half, or Relay.
$20.00 off a 2014 Team Ortho Series race* or 2015 Minneapolis Marathon, Half or Relays (with medal AND gear)
$20.00 gift card (valid in 2014 for any Team Ortho Race day/Expo Store).

*Here are the races from which to choose:

2014 Minneapolis Duathlon, Relay or 5K -Aug 24, 2014
2014 Women Rock (Half Marathon, 10K or 5K) -Aug 30, 2014
2014 Monster Dash Half Marathon, 10 Mile, 5K -Oct 25, 2014
2015 Minneapolis Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay

This offer is non-transferable, has no cash value, does not apply to races for which you have previously registered AND Is Valid only until midnight on JUNE 19th.

How do you claim the offer? This Thursday watch for another email with a link that allows you to make your choice online. Again, this offer is valid from Thursday June 5, until midnight, June 19th, 2014.

So basically if you signed up for this year's marathon and didn't get to run, you can sign up for next year's marathon -- or another race -- for $20 during a two-week span starting Thursday. That's a pretty significant discount (our single entry fee for the relay this year was $70.24 after fees, for example).

Also, if you have the itch to run sooner, we know of two events being organized:

A Carleton student is putting together a marathon course in Northfield TOMORROW afternoon (Wednesday). If you have put in the training time, go join him?

In addition, Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges is organizing a run around Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes on June 22.