The event that draws over 50,000 people every year in November will not go on in 2020.
The organization that runs the NYC Marathon, the New York Road Runners, announced the news this morning. They said in the statement that they’re canceling the world’s largest marathon “due to coronavirus-related health and safety concerns for runners, spectators, volunteers, staff, and the many partners and communities that support the event.”
“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,” said Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners. “Marathon Day and the many related events and activities during race week are part of the heart and soul of New York City and the global running community, and we look forward to coming together next year.”
This year was its 50th anniversary, so the 50th run will take place in 2021 now. Next year’s event is schedule for November 7.
Mayor de Blasio also said, “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.”
Registered runners will be contacted by July 15 about refunds or deferring until next year.
featured image source: Facebook / New York Road Runners