New York Marathon canceled because of coronavirus pandemic in what would have been the 50th running
THE New York Marathon has been canceled because of coronavirus pandemic, in what would have been the 50th running.
Marathon organizers cited "-related health and safety concerns," in canceling the November race, according to a social media .
The decision was made by Road Runners (NYRR) who organize the race, along with the Mayor's Office, according to a press release.
Organizers said COVID-19 risks to "runners, spectators, volunteers, staff, and the many partners and communities that support the event" were cause for the decision.
Set to be held November 1, this would have been the race's 50th anniversary.
"While the marathon is an iconic and beloved event in our city, I applaud New York Road Runners for putting the health and safety of both spectators and runners first,” said in a statement.
"We look forward to hosting the 50th running of the marathon in November of 2021."
Organizers said the 50th anniversary race will now be held on November 7, 2021.
NYRR said that all registered runners will be contacted by July 15.
Runners will have the option to get a refund, or defer their entry to the race in 2021, 2022, or 2023.
They will also have the option to take place in a "virtual" 26.2-mile run.
The virtual run will take place from October 17 through November 1, NYRR said.
Drawing 53,640 finishers in 2019, the race is the world's largest marathon.
Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners, called the cancelation "incredibly disappointing."
"Canceling this year’s TCS New York City Marathon is incredibly disappointing for everyone involved, but it was clearly the course we needed to follow from a health and safety perspective," Capiraso said in a statement.
As the race was officially cancelled on Wednesday, COVID-19 cases in the US continued to pass 2.34million.
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In recent days, several states have reported record increases in coronavirus cases.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott cases.
Cases have surged in over half of the US states as the country continues to reopen.
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