Runners
pack the route during the 2016 Chicago Marathon. This year’s race
was canceled because of the pandemic. Race organizers are moving
ahead with plans for a 2021 on the same scale as in years past, but
acknowledge public health concerns may curtail the number of
runners allowed to participate. | AP
Next year’s marathon is scheduled for Oct. 10, organizers said
in a news release Thursday. This year’s race was canceled by
COVID-19.
Planning for the 2021 Chicago Marathon is off to the races,
organizers announced Thursday, after this year’s event was
canceled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
The 43rd running of the race is now scheduled for Oct. 10.
As part of a tiered application process, registration opened Thursday
for those who deferred their registration and others who plan to
run on behalf of a charity.
A second open enrollment period will be announced in
January.
Last month’s marathon was nixed for only the second time in
the race’s history and
relegated to the virtual realm over public health concerns.
A marathon spokeswoman said organizers are now “preparing for
an event at the size and scale we’ve seen in the past.” The
race typically draws at around 45,000 runners, as well as
spectators and supporters that line the route and gather at the
finish line.
With cases of COVID-19 spiking again, organizers said they’re
working closely with city officials on plans “that align with
Chicago’s public health and safety guidance.” That could
ultimately limit the number of participants, the spokeswoman
acknowledged.
“We are moving forward with hope and optimism,” said Carey
Pinkowski, executive race director. “The health and safety of
participants, volunteers, spectators and the Chicago community
remain at the forefront of our planning, and we are doing
everything we can to safely bring the Bank of America Chicago
Marathon back to our city streets.”
Entry fees are $205 for U.S. residents and $230 for runners from
other countries.
