© Copyright – 2020 – Athletics Illustrated
Almost all large marathon and road race events have been postponed or cancelled for the spring of 2020 due to the COVID-19 virus. The Boston Marathon, Rotterdam Marathon, New York City Half Marathon, Vancouver Sun Run and TC10K have been affected.
Smaller events have also been postponed or cancelled altogether.
Not all races have announced cancellation or postponement and may proceed.
The province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Health has recommended that public events with 250 or more people should cancelled.
“Today the RunSport Victoria Society has made the difficult decision in cancelling the 2020 TC10K,” stated their press release. “This is ultimately a hard decision to make for the runners and community who have embraced this event for so many years. The health and safety of registrants, staff and volunteers is our top priority, and at this time, the BC Ministry of Health has informed that all events of 250+ should be cancelled. The RunSport Victoria Society feels it is in the best interest of our participants to cancel the event.”
Most runs are fundraisers for charities and causes. For example, the Another Brick in Nepal event that was scheduled for Sunday, March 15 in Sooke, BC is postponed. The organization raises funds for Nepal earthquake victims which also helps to build new schools.
The Vancouver Island Race Series is an important fundraiser for the individual clubs that host one of the eight road race events that take place from January to April each year. Next up was the Comox Valley Half Marathon which was scheduled for Sunday, March 22 – it is now cancelled.
“It is with regret that the Comox Valley RV Half Marathon is cancelled. This is in light of the BC Health advisement today on events with over 250 participants. All registrants will receive an email with further details after consultation with the CVRR committee and VIRA board. We are also discussing the remainder of the Island Series races and will let you know when that decision is made and what options we are going to offer our registrants. Safety of our participants and volunteers are of utmost importance so we hope you understand why this decision was made.”
Even the National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, National Lacrosse League, and National Football League have been affected.
There are events large and small that have not yet been affected including the Tamarack Ottawa Marathon. This event to take place on Sunday, May 24 is still a go at this time.
The Virgin London Marathon, one of the biggest participation races in the world, typically with the most competitive fields and acts as the largest sports fundraising event in the world continues to be on for Sunday, April 26, “We are monitoring closely the developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and noting the updates and advice given by the UK Government.”
The Lilac Bloomsday 12K race that takes place in Spokane, WA on Sunday, June 16 appears to be monitoring the situation, “The health and safety of our participants and volunteers have always been Bloomsday’s top priority. As all of us monitor the health situation with COVID-19 (coronavirus disease), Bloomsday race organizers will continue to keep in close contact with the Spokane Regional Health District as well as state and federal agencies. As Bloomsday weekend approaches, Bloomsday will continue to make decisions regarding the race in concert with the advice and recommendations of medical professionals. We are planning for Bloomsday to again take place on the first Sunday in May, and look forward to another great journey through the streets of Spokane. We will update this message with any new developments or information.”
– The Lilac Bloomsday Association
Visit the website, Race Guide at www.raceguide.ca for upcoming events and their status.