BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Next year's Boston Marathon will be postponed until at least the fall, according to the Boston Athletic Association.
The BAA said Wednesday as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, runners will have to wait a little longer than anticipated to take part in the historic race.
"The 125th Boston Marathon, traditionally held on the third Monday in April — Patriots’ Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — will be postponed until at least the fall of 2021," said the Association.
The BAA said it has been meeting regularly with its COVID-19 Medical & Event Operations Advisory Group to determine "when and how" the Boston Marathon can be held again, and that it will begin working with local, city, and state officials, sponsors, organizing committee members, and other stakeholders "to determine if a fall 2021 date is feasible."
"With fewer than six months until Patriots’ Day and with road races prohibited until Phase 4 of the Massachusetts reopening plan, we are unable to host the Boston Marathon this coming April," said Tom Grilk, C.E.O. of the BAA.
"By shifting our focus to a fall date, we can continue to work with stakeholders to adjust the in-person experience for runners and supporters alike," Grilk added. "Prioritizing the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators, and community members, we continue to assess all elements of the race including a potential reduced field size or weekend date."
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