In an unprecedented move, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) announced the cancellation of the 2020 Boston Marathon, marking the first time in its 124-year history that the event will not take place. Initially planned for April, the marathon was rescheduled to September amid the ongoing pandemic. However, Boston Mayor John Adams stated, “Given the current circumstances, holding such a large gathering on Sept. 14 or at any point this year would not be feasible or safe.”
In lieu of the traditional race, the BAA will host a virtual marathon. Tom Grilk, the organization’s CEO, emphasized that the health and safety of participants, volunteers, and the broader community remains the top priority. “We may not be able to bring everyone to Boston this September, but we will work to share the spirit of our city and the marathon with the world,” he noted. He further remarked, “The essence of the Boston Marathon is about resilience and making wise decisions for the greater good.”
Runners registered for the 2020 event will receive a full refund of their entry fees. Additionally, they will have the chance to participate in the virtual marathon any time from September 7 to 14, needing to complete the 26.2-mile distance within six hours and provide evidence of their timing to the BAA. The virtual event will feature exclusive discussions, interviews with marathon champions, and a downloadable toolkit that includes race-themed materials such as a printable finish line and breaktape.
The BAA plans to open registration for the 2021 Boston Marathon by the end of September; however, participants cannot use their virtual marathon times for qualification. Instead, runners can utilize their qualifying times from the 2020 Boston Marathon, with the qualifying window commencing on September 15, 2018. Anticipation for the 124th Boston Marathon had been high, with 31,500 athletes expected to run and over a million spectators anticipated, making social distancing a significant concern.
In light of the cancellation, Mayor Adams expressed his disappointment but urged the community to draw inspiration from the marathon’s legacy of perseverance. “This is undoubtedly a challenge, yet tackling tough obstacles is what the Boston Marathon epitomizes. It symbolizes our city’s and state’s resilience. We must all summon our inner strength, just as a marathon runner does, to keep this spirit alive,” he stated.
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In summary, the Boston Marathon’s cancellation is a historic event that reflects the ongoing challenges posed by the global pandemic. While the live race will not occur, a virtual alternative allows participants to engage with the marathon spirit from anywhere.