Chicago Marathon cancels 2020 race

Organizers on Monday canceled the 2020 Chicago Marathon scheduled for October due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“While we’d hoped to once again line 26.2 miles of our streets this October, the health and safety of everyone participating in and supporting the event is our highest priority,” organizers said in a statement Monday.

“In response to the ongoing public health concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, event organizers and the City of Chicago announced the decision to cancel the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and all race weekend activities,” the statement continued. 

All registered runners will have the option to receive a refund for their race entry or defer their place and entry fee to a future Chicago marathon, either in 2021, 2022 or 2023. 

Marathon organizers also said they are working to develop a virtual experience that will recognize the dedication and commitment of everyone who would have taken part in this year’s race. 

“When we finally return to the streets of Chicago, it will be a celebratory moment and an uncompromising statement about the collective spirit of who we are as a running community: we are powerful, we are persistent and we will reach the finish line again,” organizers said.

The 2020 New York City marathon, set to take place in November, was also canceled, and this year’s Boston Marathon was shifted to be held virtually, due to the pandemic.