Runners react as Boston Marathon cancels race for first time. ‘I worked for 8 years’
After the Boston Marathon was canceled for the first time in its 124-year history, runners gearing up for the big race reacted with disappointment on social media.
The annual event, which has been held during world wars and snowstorms throughout its duration, was originally postponed from April 20 to Sept. 14, The New York Times reported.
It is now canceled due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 1.7 million confirmed cases in the United States and 100,000 deaths as of Thursday afternoon, according to Johns Hopkins University. Globally, there are nearly 6 million confirmed cases and more than 350,000 deaths.
“The Boston Athletic Association, with our input and support, has determined that the traditional one-day running of the 124th Boston Marathon is not feasible this year for public health reasons,” Boston Mayor Martin Walsh said on Thursday, according to The Boston Globe. “There’s no way to hold this usual race format without bringing large numbers of people into close proximity. And while our goal and hope was to make progress in containing the virus and recovering our economy, this kind of event would not be responsible or realistic on Sept. 14 or anytime this year.”
The Boston Athletic Association announced that the race will be held as a “virtual event” and original participants will be offered a full refund.
The virtual event can be done anytime between September 7 and 14 and runners will have to complete the 26.2 miles in a six-hour time frame, the BAA said. Participants will have to have proof of their time to receive a Boston Marathon program, medal, T-shirt, and runner’s bib, according to the BAA.
Athletes reacted to the news on social media after the cancellation was announced.
“I worked for 8 years to qualify & be accepted to the Boston Marathon,” Twitter user Michael Thorson Jr. wrote. “I understand the reasons why & that my disappointment is truly a first world problem but I’m saddened nonetheless that it will now be virtual this year instead of winding through the streets of Boston.”
“In my head I knew we were not running the Boston Marathon as intended this year, but my heart was holding out hope. I’m mainly devastated for my sister, and so many like her, who despite their on-going health struggles were continuing to train towards this goal,” Tanya Halliday wrote on Twitter.
“The hardest thing about @bostonmarathon going virtual is that this was supposed to be my first marathon. I raised $11k for a charity so that I could have the experience of running that course. The experience of that crowd. Running virtually won’t fulfill that,” Twitter user Brea Allen wrote.
Others expressed disappointment but thought it was ultimately the right move.
“As a nurse on the front line, this is the right thing to do!” Twitter user RunnergirlSD wrote. “This would have been my 12th in a row but there is no way we can all be crowded in corrals and socially distance! I will miss you Boston but we will be back!”
“I am disappointed that I won’t be able to run in person but I have to say that the BAA and @bostonmarathon are handling this in a first class way. Thank you!” Florida Hedgie wrote on Twitter.
“Totally saw this coming and understand why it has to be, but that doesn’t make it suck any less. guess my dream of crossing the boston marathon finish line will have to wait just a little bit longer,” Twitter user AJhisnandez tweeted.
This story was originally published May 28, 2020 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Runners react as Boston Marathon cancels race for first time. ‘I worked for 8 years’."