Mankato Marathon going 100% virtual in 2020

The Mankato Marathon said Thursday that it will be 100% virtual this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit Mankato said its board came to the conclusion that in-person races weren’t going to be feasible this year while maintaining the safety of everyone involved.

Runners will get to choose when and where to run their event between Oct. 12 and Oct. 26, Visit Mankato said.

"Not having the ability to bring the Mankato Marathon running community together for the 11th year is sincerely heartbreaking," said Anna Thill, Visit Mankato president. "With that said, even more heartbreaking is the idea that our event could jeopardize even one life or potentially be the cause of spread in our beloved community and therefore cause the shutdown of businesses and the ability for our children to go to classes in their schools. We strive for excellence, not just for our runners, but also for our community. When that is compromised not just from one but from many angles, we must act and move with ultimate focus where excellence can be achieved."

Mankato Marathon is still planning to host the Scheels Sport and Health Expo and packet pick-up at River Hills Mall on Oct. 16-17.

You can find more information here.