New York City Marathon canceled because of coronavirus


New York City Marathon is CANCELED due to coronavirus as Mayor Bill de Blasio applauds organizers of November race for prioritizing the ‘health and safety’ of participants

  • The New York City Marathon scheduled for November 1 has been canceled for the first time since 2012 because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic
  • Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement, saying he applauds ‘New York Road Runners for putting the health and safety of both spectators and runners first’
  • The 2021 New York City Marathon is scheduled for November 7
  • The NYRR decision comes after Boston cancelled its marathon for the first time in its 124-year history earlier this year. The Berlin Marathon was also cancelled 
  • The last time the marathon was cancelled was 2012 in the immediately aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which caused significant destruction around the city
  • Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19

The New York City Marathon scheduled for November 1 has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced the cancellation of the world’s largest marathon Wednesday after coordinating with the mayor’s office and deciding the race posed too many health and safety concerns for runners, volunteers, spectators and others.

‘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,’ Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. ‘We look forward to hosting the 50th running of the marathon in November of 2021.’

The New York City Marathon scheduled for November 1 has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Pictured) Leonard Korir of Kenya follows the leader of the professional men’s division during the 2019 New York City Marathon

Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement, saying he applauds 'New York Road Runners for putting the health and safety of both spectators and runners first'

Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement, saying he applauds ‘New York Road Runners for putting the health and safety of both spectators and runners first’

Last year’s marathon included a world record 53,640 finishers. Entrants for the 2020 race will be offered a full refund of their entry fee or a guaranteed entry to either the 2021, 2022 or 2023 marathon.

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

The NYRR decision comes after Boston cancelled its marathon for the first time in its 124-year history earlier this year. Meanwhile the Berlin Marathon was also cancelled, while the London Marathon was postponed until October 4 and the Tokyo Marathon was held with a limited field of competitors. 

Interestingly, the Chicago Marathon remains scheduled for October 11.    

The last time the marathon was cancelled was 2012 in the immediately aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which caused significant destruction in Staten Island, Brooklyn and other areas around the city. 

At the time, the NYRR and then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg took significant criticism for waiting to cancel the event, which would have diverted resources needed for the city’s hurricane cleanup.  

The 2021 New York City Marathon is scheduled for November 7

The 2021 New York City Marathon is scheduled for November 7