CORONAVIRUS: Disappointment as Boston Marathon is cancelled by safety group

The event was due to take place 13 September, and has attracted a field of 1,800 entries. It had already been postponed from earlier in the year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Organisers say that although they respect the decision, they are very disappointed by the news of the cancellation.

Richard Austin BEM, Chairman of Boston Marathon Association, said: “The decision of the Safety Advisory Group to order the cancellation of the Boston Mayflower 400 Marathon 2020 on 13th September is respected.

“However it comes as a big blow to the many who have entered and have been in training to run.”

He said running and walking in the open air at a safe distance is one of the best and cheapest ways to promote the health of both body and mind and is something that needs to be encouraged in every way possible.

“The team of retired professionals who have arranged the Boston Mayflower 400 Marathon have organised an event that highlights this issue,” he want on. “It is also an event that complies with the Covid 19 pandemic directives.

“The SAG order to cancel the event therefore comes as a big disappointment to not only the organisers but also to the 1800 runners who have entered. The decision also represents a missed opportunity to promote Boston and Lincolnshire in a positive way.”

Mr Austin said there were a number of positive aspects to the event, few of which were mentioned in the SAG report, including the fact that arrangements had been able to accommodate all Covid 19 regulations.

He said it is an entirely open air event which promotes outdoor exercise as a means of improving the health of mind and body, it followed Government published advice on how to safely run a road event, arrangements discouraged any public spectator gathering, runners were able to comply with the social distancing rules at all times and would not be using public transport to get to Boston

“The Marathon is a good opportunity to promote Boston and Lincolnshire, it is an example of team work entirely without payment primarily for the benefit of the town, “ he added.

The next Boston Marathon is now scheduled to be held on April 17 next year.