While the Philadelphia Marathon is not a World Marathon Major, it is a major marathon for thousands of runners. And it has added its name to the list of 2020 marathons that have been cancelled due to the coronavirus. Here are the details of the cancellation and what it means for you – if you were planning on running.
2020 Philadelphia Marathon Canceled
The 2020 Philadelphia Marathon was supposed to have taken place on November 22. This was always a popular race for many runners that had tried to get into NYC Marathon but did not get selected – as well as NYC runners that loved the ability to run two popular marathons just a couple/few weeks a part. Of course, it was also a big race for thousands of other runners as well.
Philadelphia Marathon Canceled? Now What?
The organizers canceled the marathon weekend (November 20-22) just this week and promised updates on July 31 for what will happen next.
What we do know is that runners can choose to defer their entry until 2021, 2022, or 2023. They can also choose for a refund or have their entry fee go as a donation to the American Association for Cancer Research.
These options will be available on July 31 so if you are registered, hold tight until then.
Unlike many other canceled marathons, the Philadelphia Marathon will not be going virtual but will instead just put the event away until 2021.
Surprised to see it was even still being considered this year. BTW, did you know that many runners, including more than a few famous ones like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, have asthma and would be considered at elevated risk for COVID-19??
I think most organizers had wanted to wait as long as they could to see where the trends were going. It is a huge money loss to have to cancel these races.
Yes, I did know that! I am one of those asthmatic runners! https://runningwithmiles.boardingarea.com/asthma-marathoner-running-25000-miles/