The 2011 Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon might be canceled due to a lack of volunteers to help out during the event, said Marsha Osterbur, media coordinator for Christie Clinic.

“It is impossible for us to be able to hold this great event without volunteer assistance. It just doesn’t happen without them,” Osterbur said.

The marathon needs about 250 more volunteers for the race, which is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The marathon will not be rescheduled if volunteers are not found in time, Osterbur said.

“We cannot have the race unless these spots are filled,” said Mike Lindemann, co-director of the event, in a press release.

Canceling the marathon has never happened before but a similar problem has occurred both the first year of the marathon and last year, Osterbur said.

“In the past when the community has found out we’re in need, they rise to the occasion,” she said.

“Right now we are pleading to the community to help us out.”

The marathon’s Course Team will be working with law enforcement to make sure runners stay on course and keep traffic away from the runners, Osterbur said.

Osterbur said anyone over 18 can volunteer, and they should fill out the application before the final training in mid-April. The marathon is set to occur on April 29 and 30.