New York City Marathon cancelled due to COVID-19

The 2020 New York City Marathon, which was earlier scheduled for November 1, has been cancelled due of the coronavirus pandemic.

The New York Road Runners (NYRR), organisers of the event, in a press release on Wednesday, said the decision to cancel the marathon race was taken in conjunction with the mayor of New York’s office due to safety and health-related concerns for runners, spectators and staff to be employed for 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 NYRR.

“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.”

On his part, Bill de Blasio, mayor of NYC, 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. We look forward to hosting the 50th running of the marathon in November of 2021.”

The 2021 New York City Marathon is scheduled for November 7.

“The 50th running of the TCS New York City Marathon will take place on November 7, 2021,” the statement added.

This year’s marathon was set to be the 50th running of the event, which began in 1970 and has grown to become the world’s largest marathon with 53,640 finishers in 2019.