New York City Marathon canceled over COVID-19

Associated Press

FILE - This is a Nov. 6, 2005, file photo showing runners on the upper level of the Verrazano Bridge at the start of the 36th New York City Marathon. The New York City Marathon scheduled for Nov. 1, 2020, has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. New York Road Runners announced the cancellation of the world's largest marathon Wednesday, June 24, 2020, after coordinating with the mayor's office and deciding the race posed too many health and safety concerns for runners, volunteers, spectators and others.[AP Photo/Richard Drew, File]

This year’s New York City Marathon has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The race was scheduled to take place on Nov. 1.

New York Road Runners 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."

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 Nov. 7.

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