BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — As multiple events across Massachusetts and the country are being cancelled because of concerns over the coronavirus, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said Thursday that there still isn't a decision when it comes to the Boston Marathon.
But the Boston Globe reports that unnamed sources "familiar with the plans" have indicated the race will be pushed to the fall.
"Postponement is preferable because canceling the marathon would mean a potential economic loss to the city of more than $200 million," the Globe reports.
“I think when it comes to the marathon, the schools, and everything that we’re looking at, it’s a very fluid situation right now. We’re having conversations," Walsh told WBZ NewsRadio on Thursday. "Yesterday, I spoke to all of the cities and towns that the marathon goes through. So, we’re still in the conversation piece."
The Boston Marathon said in a statement on Twitter that their main priority is the "health & safety of residents, participants & all who come to MA for this worldwide event."
Organizers with the marathon said they are working closely with city and state officials, and that "details will be forthcoming."
The Boston Marathon is currently scheduled to take place on Monday, April 20. If altered, this would be the first time in 124 years that the marathon wouldn't be held during it's usual spring scheduling.
Earlier this week, Boston cancelled their annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which was set to be held on Sunday. Walsh said in a statement that the decisions was "made out of an abundance of caution to ensure that we are doing what is needed to keep the residents of Boston safe and healthy."
Although the goal is to reschedule the marathon on a long weekend, Labor Day would be "too challenging because it is peak time for college students" to move into dorms. Columbus Day doesn't work either, because the Chicago Marathon is on October 11.
Multiple schools across the state are closing because of the coronavirus, with multiple colleges and universities switching to online classes.
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(Photo: Chris Fama/WBZ NewsRadio)