Prince George, BC – Old Man Winter's icy grip could put the freeze on what is a highlight for athletes from near and far – tommorow's  27th annual Prince George Iceman is in jeopardy…

The official cutoff temperature for cancelling the Iceman is minus 20 degrees Celsius.

With the forecast calling for an overnight low of minus 26, and the temperature expected to just rise to minus 16 over the course of the day, Iceman officials say they're expecting to have to make a 'Time of Race' call. (250News file photo at right)

Registrar, Jim VanBakel, says it's a really difficult situation, but organizers are looking to give the weather time to cooperate.  He says they've received a few emails from participants – mainly those from out of town – upset with the delayed decision.  "It's not ideal, but the last thing we want to do is cancel after all the hard work everybody has been putting in – either training for it, or putting it on," says VanBakel.  "And then it winds up being warm enought to run it."

There are 48 soloists and 87 teams, including 13 junior teams, registered for the experience and the bragging rights that go along with saying you've competed in the dead-of-winter event that sees participants cross country ski, run, skate, run again, and swim.

More than 100 volunteers are involved on race day.  "That is one of our biggest concerns with the temperature – a lot of competitors would be fine racing in temperatures a little bit colder than minus 20, but volunteers are a huge concern," says VanBakel, "Because they're out there for three-plus hours."

With the final decision to come as the day unfolds tomorrow, VanBakel is advising competitors to check the Iceman's Facebook page and Twitter account for updates.

"We really appreciate everybody's understanding with the tough situation," says the race organizer.  "We're moving ahead as if it's going to go on and we'll cross our fingers."

Race package pick-up for competitors goes this evening, between 5pm and 7pm at the Civic Centre.