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(Reuters) - The
Boston Marathon, cancelled last year for the first time in its
history due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be held on Oct. 11 as
long as road races are allowed under the Massachusetts reopening
plan, race organisers said on Tuesday.
The field size for the world's most prestigious marathon, which
generally draws over 30,000 runners from all over the world,
will be forthcoming, the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.)
said in a news release.
"We announce the 2021 Boston Marathon date with a cautious
optimism, understanding full well that we will continue to be
guided by science and our continued collaborative work with
local, city, state, and public health officials," said B.A.A.
Chief Executive Tom Grilk.
"If we are able to hold an in-person race in October, the safety
of participants, volunteers, spectators, and community members
will be paramount."
Organisers also said the event plan must be approved by the
eight cities and towns that comprise the 26.2-mile (42km) race
route.
The Boston Marathon, which extends from the suburb of Hopkinton
to downtown Boston, had been held annually since 1897 until it
was cancelled in 2020.
Organisers said last October that the 2021 edition would not be
held in its usual April spot and that it would instead be held
in the autumn.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Toby Davis)
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