The Boston Marathon has been cancelled for the first time in its 124-year history, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. As per latest news reports, the organisers will be hosting it virtually.
Amid the Coronavirus outbreak, the Boston Marathon was postponed from April 20 to Sept 14. Reportedly, around 30000 people participate in the marathon every year, and the event attracts at least a million spectators to cheer the participants. But, because of the Coronavirus crises this year, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said hosting the event on September 14 has become less plausible. He stated, “While our goal and our hope was to make progress and contain the virus in recovering our economy, this kind of event would not be responsible or realistic on September 14, or any time this year.”
Now as per the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), the famed marathon will now be hosted solely as a virtual event. Referring to this, BAA CEO Tom Grilk, added that in such a scenario, when they cannot bring the world to Boston, they are planning to bring Boston to the world for a historic 124th Boston Marathon.
The BAA added that the participants who have already registered and paid an entry fee for the April 20 event will get a full refund, and will also be able to take part in the virtual race. As per the reports, the virtual race will be held between September 7 and 14.
How to take part in this virtual race?
Participants in the virtual 2020 Boston Marathon will be required to complete the 26.2 mile distance within 6 hours & provide proof of timing. All finishers of the virtual race will receive an official Boston Marathon program, participant t-shirt, medal, & runner’s bib.
— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon) May 28, 2020
Those participating in the virtual race must complete running 26.2 miles remotely within six hours, and provide proof of the same to the BAA in order to receive a shirt, medal, and other items.
The BAA also said that it is planning additional virtual events for marathon week, in an effort to bring the Boston Marathon experience, to those in Boston and around the world.