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Add the Boston Marathon to the list of major events derailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Rescheduled from Patriots Day on April 20 to September 14, one of the world’s most popular 26.2-mile races was canceled on Thursday and will take place as a virtual event.



The Chicago Marathon, scheduled to take place in October, and New York City Marathon in November, have not yet been canceled.

This is the first time in the 124-year history the Boston Marathon has been canceled. The 1918 Boston Marathon was a relay during World War I.

The @BAA has announced that the 124th Boston Marathon will be held as a virtual event, following Boston Mayor Martin Walsh’s cancellation of the marathon as a mass participation road running event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/tlIdvsU9sq

— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon) May 28, 2020

Runners who are paid entrants into the event will receive a full refund and can earn a finisher’s medal by completing a 26.2-mile run on their own.

“While we cannot bring the world to Boston in September, we plan to bring Boston to the world for a historic 124th Boston Marathon,” said Tom Grilk, the CEO of the Boston Athletic Association.

Organizers of the Chicago Marathon have said they are determined to hold the event in downtown Chicago, typically held on the Saturday before Columbus Day. The Paris Marathon was postponed in March to Oct. 18.

The New York City Marathon is scheduled to be held in November.



–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)