Originally postponed from April until September due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boston Marathon has been outright canceled. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh made the announcement late Thursday, saying running the iconic race was “not feasible” this year.
“There’s no way to hold this usual race format without bringing large numbers of people into close proximity,” he said. “While our goal and hope was to make progress in containing the virus and recovering our economy, this kind of event would not be responsible or realistic on September 14, or anytime this year.”
The @BAA has announced that the 124th Boston Marathon will be held as a virtual event, following Boston Mayor Martin Walsh’s cancellation of the marathon as a mass participation road running event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/tlIdvsU9sq
— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon) May 28, 2020
This is the first time in the event’s 124-year history that it will not be held. This year, the marathon was expected to draw more than 30,000 runners from around the world.
Now, those runners will have the opportunity to run the course from Hopkinton to Boylston Street virtually from Sept. 7 to Sept. 14. Participants have also been offered a full refund for entry fees.
It’s unclear exactly how the virtual race will work, but participants in the 2020 virtual marathon will be required to complete the 26.2-mile distance in six hours or fewer and submit proof of their timing to the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) so a winner can be determined.
“Our top priority continues to be safeguarding the health of the community, as well as our staff, participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters,” said BAA CEO Tom Grilk. “While we cannot bring the world to Boston in September, we plan to bring Boston to the world for an historic 124th Boston Marathon.”
Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.