In a historic decision, the Boston Marathon has been canceled for the first time in its 124-year history. The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) announced this unprecedented move yesterday, following the original postponement from April to September due to the ongoing pandemic.
Mayor’s Statement
Boston Mayor Jake Thompson stated on social media, “Hosting such a large-scale event in September or any time this year is neither responsible nor realistic.” As an alternative, the BAA will offer a virtual marathon to ensure participants can still engage with the spirit of the race.
BAA’s Commitment to Community Health
Tom Grilk, the BAA’s CEO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to community health, noting, “While we can’t bring the world to Boston this September, we will bring Boston to the world for this historic 124th marathon. The essence of the Boston Marathon is to demonstrate strength and wisdom.”
Details for Registered Runners
Registered runners will receive a full refund of their entry fees and will have the opportunity to complete the 26.2-mile distance remotely between September 7 and 14. Participants must finish within six hours and provide evidence of their timing to the BAA. The BAA’s website details that during this week, runners can access exclusive content, including interviews with champions and a downloadable toolkit featuring signature race elements like a printable finish line.
Looking Ahead to 2021
Looking ahead, registration for the 2021 Boston Marathon is set to open in late September. However, participants cannot use their virtual marathon times as qualifiers. Fortunately, runners can utilize their qualifying times from the 2020 event for the upcoming race, with the qualifying window starting from September 15, 2018. The anticipated turnout for the 124th Boston Marathon was around 31,500 runners, with over a million spectators expected, making social distancing nearly impossible.
Resilience of the Boston Community
Thompson acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the cancellation, stating, “This is a challenge, but overcoming obstacles is what the Boston Marathon embodies. It symbolizes the resilience of our city and state, and we must all dig deep, just like a marathon runner, to maintain that spirit.”
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Conclusion
In summary, the Boston Marathon has been canceled for the first time in its history, with a virtual alternative offered. Runners can receive refunds and partake in a remote marathon, while the BAA emphasizes community health and resilience.