2021 Boston Marathon will not take place in April

Caroline Rotich of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the 119th Boston Marathon on April 20, 2015, in Boston, Massachusetts. [Jim Rogash/Getty Images/AFP]

The 2021 Boston Marathon will not be held in April as it usually is and will be moved to the autumn due to the coronavirus pandemic," The Standard Sport can confirm.

Organisers, who have been meeting regularly to determine when and how the Marathon can be held again, will work with local, city, and state officials, sponsors, organising committee members, and other stakeholders to determine if a fall 2021 date is feasible.

"With fewer than six months until Patriots' Day and with road races prohibited until Phase 4 of the Massachusetts reopening plan, we are unable to host the Boston Marathon this coming April.

"By shifting our focus to a fall date, we can continue to work with stakeholders to adjust the in-person experience for runners and supporters alike,” Tom Grilk, chief executive of the Boston Athletic Association, said in a statement on Wednesday.

No 2021 date has been selected, however, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) will work with local, city, and state officials and members of its COVID-19 Medical & Event Operations Advisory Group to establish under what conditions the next showpiece can be held.

Before the end of the year, the BAA will announce a new date. Other details such as when registration may open and the field size, pending local regulations and the event plan, will also be forthcoming.

“We are optimistic that the Boston Marathon will continue its tradition of celebrating the spirit of community and athletic excellence next fall. We know there will be many questions and we will look to address them in the coming months ahead,” Grilk pointed out.

The race is regarded as the world's most prestigious marathons and generally draws over 30,000 runners from all over the world.

In this Monday, April 17, 2006, file photo Rita Jeptoo of Kenya holds the trophy after winning the women's division of the 110th running of the Boston Marathon, in Boston. [AP Photo/Elise Amendola, FILE]

ON THIS DAY Ð APRIL 20 April 20, 2009 MARATHON - Deriba Merga of Ethiopia crosses the finish line to win the men's division of the 113th Boston Marathon. Merga finished in two hours, eight minutes and 42 seconds ahead of Kenya's Daniel Rono and the United States' Ryan Hall. Merga's triumph also broke a three-year winning streak for Kenya's Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot. [REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo]