In an unprecedented move, the 2020 Boston Marathon has been officially canceled, marking the first such occurrence in its 124-year history. The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) announced this decision yesterday. Initially scheduled for April, the iconic race was postponed to September due to the ongoing pandemic.
Boston Mayor, Michael Thompson, expressed the necessity for this decision on Twitter: “While we strive to make headway in controlling the virus and reviving our economy, hosting such a large-scale event would not be safe or feasible on September 14 or at any point this year.” In lieu of the traditional marathon, the BAA will host a virtual alternative.
Tom Grilk, CEO of the BAA, stated, “Our foremost concern remains the health and safety of our community, including our staff, participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters. Although we cannot welcome the world to Boston in September, we intend to share the essence of Boston with the globe through an extraordinary 124th Boston Marathon. The spirit of Boston and our marathon embodies strength and intelligence. When circumstances lead you down an unexpected path, we must have the fortitude, wisdom, and guidance from public officials to do what’s right.”
Participants originally registered for the 2020 marathon will receive a complete refund of their entry fees. They will also have the option to take part in the 124th Boston Marathon virtually between September 7 and 14. Runners must complete the full 26.2 miles within a six-hour timeframe and provide proof of their time to the BAA.
The BAA’s website notes, “During that week, participants will have access to exclusive panel discussions, interviews with champions, and a downloadable toolkit that features iconic elements of the race such as a printable finish line and winner’s break tape.” Further details on how to join the virtual marathon will be shared soon with all registrants.
Looking ahead, the BAA has announced that registration for the 2021 Boston Marathon will open at the end of September; however, virtual times from this year will not count toward qualifying. Runners can still use their qualifying times from the 2020 Boston Marathon for the 2021 event, which will accept qualifying times from September 15, 2018 onward. This year, 31,500 athletes were expected to participate, and with over a million spectators anticipated, maintaining social distancing would have been nearly impossible.
Thompson addressed the disappointment surrounding the cancellation, stating, “This is indeed a challenge, but overcoming difficult challenges is the essence of the Boston Marathon. It symbolizes our city’s and our commonwealth’s resilience. We must dig deep, just like marathon runners do, and keep that spirit alive, as we did in 2013.” For more insight into this topic, check out this post on our blog about the Boston Marathon and its significance in the community.
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Summary
The 2020 Boston Marathon has been canceled for the first time in its 124-year history due to the pandemic. The BAA announced a virtual marathon in its place, allowing registered runners to participate remotely. Refunds will be offered, and the BAA is planning for the 2021 event. Mayor Thompson emphasized resilience during this challenging time, reflecting on the marathon’s significance in Boston’s history.
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