New York Marathon

The customary New York City Marathon event was declared canceled on June 24 keeping in mind the increasing cases of coronavirus. Therefore, the city officials and the event organizers have unanimously decided that holding the marathon as scheduled earlier on November 1, 2020, will not be a good idea.

After a lengthy discussion with mayor of the New York City, the organizers have publicly announced the cancellation of the largest marathon in the world. This year would have been more special for the marathon because it was to be the 50th-anniversary event. However, the officials feel that letting the event take place will bring with it safety and health concerns for all the runners, spectators, volunteers, and others.

According to the statement of Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City, the marathon is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and iconic events that the city gets to witness annually. However, he respects the decision of the organizers and is wants to applaud them for keeping the safety and health of both runners and spectators in the first place. Further, the Mayor said that they are already discussing and even better celebration next year. So, it is for everyone that we have to hold our horses and wait for the 50th-anniversary edition of the New York Marathon to take place in November 2021.

The events were successful last year

In the last year’s edition of the NYM, a world record was made with 53,640 people finishing the race. Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya was declared the half-marathon record holder. It was her debut record that she hit at 26.2 miles. On the other hand, Geoffrey Kamworor, also from Kenya won the men’s event second time in the last three years, making the country’s position stronger in the race. In light of the disappointing cancellation of the huge event, Shalane Flanagan, NYM Winner of 2017 posted a motivating note on Instagram. The athlete writes that it is a scope for athletes to become stronger in their skill. Also, it is time for communities, and citizens of the Globe to unite. It is to make the world a better place for everyone.

Flanagan added that it is always good to stay positive and think that this cancellation is not just a setback. It is a better opportunity to make a stronger comeback. She tells everyone to stay safe and keep in mind the streets of New York City. It will help them when they prepare for the marathon to take place in 2021. Also, she encourages every athlete to work hard when no one else is watching, because that will surely pay off.

For her, the best way to cope with a setback or disappointment is simply running. So, whenever she feels stressed out, she goes for a run and is now encouraging all others to do so. For this year, everyone who was to participate in the event will get a complete refund of their entry fee. The alternative is to not demand a refund to secure entry in the marathons to be held in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The event next year is supposed to start on November 7, 2021.

The participants are very sad now

Athletes are all trying to cope up with the setback now. During the sad situation there comes a Tweet from Emily Sission. She is an American runner. Sisson says that she is now eagerly waiting to compete in the NYM next year when the situation gets better. Her message was followed by a heart emoji! It is now decided that the runners who were to participate this year in the marathon will get an invitation. It is for the participation in a 26.2 mile (42.2 km) virtual race. The event will take place between October 17, 2020, to November 1, 2020. According to the organizers of the event, more details will come out in July 2020.

In the history of the Marathon, there was another time when the event had to be canceled. It was 8 years back in 2012 when NYC was hit by superstorm Sandy that had caused severe damage. All the public safety resources were strained following the disaster. Other marathons, including the Berlin marathon event, is also put to a halt. It was to be held on September 27 this year. The official cancellation of the events is in light of the pandemic situation.