Massachusetts’s iconic Boston Marathon has been canceled over coronavirus fears.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh made the announcement Thursday afternoon on Twitter. The cancellation comes after the April 20 race, which attracts more than a half-million runners and spectators annually, was postponed to Sept. 14 and marks the first time the event has been canceled since it began in 1897.
“While our goal and our hope is 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 any time this year,” Walsh said.
The mayor said that in lieu of the event, the city will work with the Boston Athletic Association “in an alternative approach to the Marathon that allows runners to participate remotely, and allows all of us to celebrate the meaning this race has for our spirit, for our charities, and for our local economy.”
“This is a challenge, but meeting tough challenges is what the Boston Marathon is all about. It’s a symbol of our city and Commonwealth’s resilience,” he added.
This is a challenge, but meeting tough challenges is what the Boston Marathon is all about. It’s a symbol of our city and Commonwealth’s resilience.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) May 28, 2020
Massachusetts has been hit hard by the pandemic, registering about 6,500 deaths and is fast approaching 100,000 confirmed cases.
