CHICAGO — Another major marathon has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns.
Organizers announced Monday that The Bank of America Chicago Marathon scheduled for Oct 11 has been cancelled citing concerns for runners, spectators and volunteers.
The 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 11, and race weekend activities have been canceled by event organizers and the City of Chicago in response to the ongoing public health concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. pic.twitter.com/ASTBlFbIEX
— Chicago Marathon (@ChiMarathon) July 13, 2020
“The Chicago Marathon is our city’s beloved annual celebration of more than 45,000 runners, as well as tens of thousands of volunteers, spectators and city residents, all of whom come together race weekend as one community here in our city. Like all Chicagoans, I’m personally disappointed that this year’s event won’t take place as originally planned, however, we look forward to welcoming all runners and their cheering squads once again when the Chicago Marathon returns to our city in full force for another very exciting race,” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a news release.
This would be the second time the event has been cancelled since the annual race was created in 1977. The first cancelation was in 1988, due to lack of sponsors.
The event typically draws about 45,000 runners and wheelchair athletes, and more than one million spectators.
The New York City Marathon that was scheduled for Nov. 1 has also been canceled. The Boston Marathon was scheduled for April 20 and then put off until Sept. 14 before it was canceled.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Cox Media Group