The 2020 New York City Marathon has been canceled. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, race organizers announced its cancellation on Wednesday.
The New York Road Runners announced the cancellation of the world’s largest marathon after coordinating with the Mayor Bill DiBlasio’s office.
Together they decided the race posed too many health and safety concerns for runners, volunteers, spectators and others.
“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,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.
“We look forward to hosting the 50th running of the marathon in November of 2021.”
America’s Marathon
The NYC Marathon had a record 53,640 finishers in 2019 becoming the world’s largest 26.2-mile race.
However, the race had been scheduled for Nov. 1. The 2021 New York City Marathon is now scheduled for Nov. 7.
“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,” Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners, said in a statement.
“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 is the second time in a decade that the New York City Marathon has been canceled. The 2012 race was called off following damage to the city caused by Hurricane Sandy.
Runners signed for the 2020 marathon will have the option of receiving a refund or deferring their entry to 2021, 2022 or 2023.
