The summer road racing schedule took another hit on Thursday, as the New England Green River Marathon announced it was canceling the 2020 race due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is with great disappointment that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 New England Green River Marathon,” the race said in a statement. “As a result of the coronavirus crisis, and after discussions with our partners, including municipalities, host institutions, permitting agencies, EMS, vendors, members of the Massachusetts Reopening Advisory Board, and others, we realized that it was not feasible to hold the event. While our race is small, it is complex, involving two states, five municipalities, and many essential partners.”
The 2020 edition was set for Aug. 30. The event begins at Marlboro College in Vermont and finishes at Greenfield Community College, weaving along the Green River over the course of 26.2 miles.
This summer’s race would have marked the third annual running of the Green River Marathon. The race has grown in popularity since its inception in 2018, with the scenic course attracting runners from throughout New England and beyond.
The race joined the Bridge of Flowers Road Race as August events on the racing calendar that have been canceled due to COVID-19. The BOF Classic announced earlier this month that it was canceling for 2020, finding a fall alternative unfeasible.
“It is with great sadness that we announce our decision to cancel the 2020 Bridge of Flowers road race due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic,” race organizers offered. “We recognize the love so many have for this race and want to thank everyone for their continued support over the years.”
Races have run into the issue of uncertainty, as the state’s reopening plan has listed them under Phase 4. Without much guidance or a tentative date as to when that portion of the plan may be rolling out, many races in the late summer and early fall have begun to cancel.
“In addition, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has indicated that road races will not be permitted until Phase 4 of reopening (the “New Normal”) and that this stage is contingent on the “development of vaccines and/or treatments,” Green River Marathon organizers said in their statement. “Reaching this milestone by the end of August seems unlikely.”
All entries for this year’s Green River Marathon will be deferred to next year’s race, tentatively set for Aug. 29, 2021.
“Finally, and most importantly, we need to consider the safety of participants and volunteers, and the need to protect the most vulnerable among us,” the statement concluded. “This makes this a necessary, if disappointing decision. We have already heard from some runners and volunteers that they will not be at the event due to health concerns.”