Lawrence Cherono’s mission to defend his Boston marathon title has been postponed to October due to Coronavirus Pandemic.
In a communication on Friday, the race organisers have rescheduled the race that was to be held on April 20th has been postponed to September 14th.
The Chicago marathon winner won last year’s men’s race in 2:07:57 and Ethiopia’s Worknesh Degefa won the women’s race in 2:23.31.
Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on Tuesday and marathon organisers met with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh to decide on how best to proceed.
“On matters of public health and safety we take our guidance from the officials entrusted with protecting the public in this area,” said association chief executive Tom Grilk
“We understand our role, along with our partners, in ensuring a safe environment for all participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters that meets the standards set by those officials.”
“The BAA’s mission of promoting health through sports, especially running, has guided our organization for more than a century,” Grilk said. “In collaboration with our many partners, we look forward to welcoming the world to Boston in September.”