Chicago Marathon officially canceled

Kenya's Brigid Kosgei smiles after winning the women's 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with the World Record on October 13 2019 in Chicago, Illinois.

The Chicago Marathon scheduled for October 11 2020 has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers announced Monday. 

"In response to the ongoing public health concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the City of Chicago announced the decision to cancel the 2020 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and all race weekend activities," organisers said in a statement.

As of Sunday, Chicago's health department reported 55,184 confirmed cases of the virus and 2,682 deaths due to complications from COVID-19.

Chicago was the last of the American races in the six-city World Marathon Majors series to go public with its plans.

The Chicago Marathon began in 1977 with 2,128 finishers, and the flat, fast course has made it the site of multiple national and world records.

 Last year, Brigid Kosgei of Kenya ran 2:14:04 to shatter Paula Radcliffe’s world record, which had stood since 2003. The race typically draws 45,000 runners, making it the world’s second-largest marathon behind New York.

Plans for a 2020 Berlin Marathon were also scrapped.

The London Marathon, originally set for April, was postponed to Oct. 4, with organisers planning further updates on the race later this month.

The New York City Marathon that was scheduled for Nov. 1 also has been cancelled. The Boston Marathon was scheduled for April 20 and then put off until Sept. 14 before it was canceled.