Boston Marathon has been postponed due to coronavirus
The Boston Marathon was originally postponed until Monday 14 September, however organisers are still unsure whether the race can go ahead.
If it is cancelled, it would be the first time in 124 years the Boston Marathon has not happened.
At the time of writing, the Boston Marathon is still scheduled to go ahead on Monday 14 September, however in light of the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, organisers are in discussions over whether it will be safe to let the race go ahead.
With 31,000 runners due to travel to the start line, the BAA in a statement on 8 May, 'The Boston Athletic Association is monitoring all developments regarding the coronavirus pandemic and continues to work closely with local and state officials as we consider what September 14 looks like for the Boston Marathon. Our priority continues to be the health and well-being of members of our community, participants, volunteers, and supporters. Guided by public officials, we will continue to proactively address and explore all options surrounding this year’s race, and will continue to follow public health and safety guidance. Health and safety remain our utmost priority.'
In comments to reporters at his daily briefing on Tuesday 19 May, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said, 'Certainly when we originally made the decision to postpone the marathon [to] September, we were already hopeful coronavirus would no longer be a significant public health risk for our resident. We are continuing to have, right now, a conversation with the BAA on the best way for all of us to move forward. I don’t have any specific updates to share on the Marathon at this time, but will keep everyone informed as we move forward.'
Has the Boston Marathon ever been cancelled before?
The Boston Marathon was first run in 1897, making it the oldest annual marathon in the world. Since it started, the Boston Marathon has never been fully canceled, except in 1918 when a marathon military relay was run instead. The race was stopped in 2013 when two bombs were detonated at the finish line.
The London Marathon is also surrounded by doubt, with Hugh Brasher, Event Director at London Marathon confirming they have been considering an elite-only field at the October 4 event. Earlier this week, the 2020 Dublin Marathon, scheduled for October 25, was cancelled.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
You Might Also Like
