Antelope Island has been under aerial assault this week, as clouds of tiny biting midges, the infamous no-see-ums, descended on visitors and forced organizers to pull the plug on a long-running spring race. Photographers, hikers and would-be runners reported the gnats chewing along hairlines and faces, while race staff ultimately canceled the Buffalo Run after weighing safety for runners and volunteers. Park staff says the hatch is short but intense and is urging visitors to show up with serious protective gear, not just wishful thinking.
Utah State Parks staff said the midges hatched "last Tuesday," roughly two weeks ahead of schedule after an early warm spell, and Massif Running refunded or credited about 650 entrants when the March 28 Buffalo Run was canceled, according to FOX13. Organizers told FOX13 they hope to bring the race back to Antelope Island in October and noted that long aid-station shifts would have meant hours of repeated bites for volunteers.
Massif Running Pulls The Plug
Race directors said the decision was about protecting people and the event’s volunteer base, not dodging a tough day on the trails. With no-see-ums swarming aid stations, the risk of serious reactions and medical calls climbs fast, KSL reports. Organizers stayed in close contact with park staff and volunteers, then concluded that multi-hour posts in the middle of a gnat cloud simply would not be doable for many of their helpers.
How To Visit And What To Bring
Park managers told KSL that the tiny flies "just kind of swarm you," and that many standard insect sprays barely slow them down. The most reliable protection right now is a fine-mesh head net, paired with long sleeves and pants. KSL also notes that the gnats usually ease up after a stretch of hot weather or a hard freeze, so quick stops or wildlife viewing from a vehicle are the safer bets until this hatch tapers off.
Why The Swarm Matters
Researchers say the midges are not just a nuisance; they are a sign that the lake ecosystem is responding. More water and lower salinity are helping insect populations rebound, which in turn feeds migratory birds and other wildlife, the Great Salt Lake Collaborative reports. Scientists caution that while the bugs are undeniably annoying for people, their presence can be a useful indicator of the lake’s overall health.
Massif Running said it plans to return in October, and park staff reminded visitors that Antelope Island is already showing signs of spring life, including the season’s first baby bison, so anyone who arrives prepared should still be able to enjoy the island, FOX13 reports. Officials are urging people to check park conditions before heading out and to pack a head net for low-wind days.
