BANFF – Runners will not lace up for this year's Banff Marathon.
Organizers announced Friday (April 24) the popular event scheduled for June 21 has been called off due to COVID-19 concerns and recent regulations surrounding public gatherings.
“Strong consideration was given to postponing the event to a later date in 2020, however due to the uncertainty of when it will be deemed safe to hold a large scale public event along with local safety, scheduling and logistical factors, a cancellation was considered the most responsible course of action,” a public release said.
“We are deeply disappointed to cancel as we know the participants have been looking forward to this experience in Banff National Park.”
For more information on the cancellation policy, visit www.banffmarathon.com.
It’s the second time in the event’s seven-year history it’s been cancelled. In 2013, the devastating southern Alberta floods washed through the Bow Valley and forced the cancellation of the event in its inaugural year. The race made its debut one year later.
Last year, the event featuring a marathon, half marathon and 10-kilometre races, had runners from 31 countries – the most in event history – travel to Banff National Park to compete.
The Outlook will update the story when more information is available.
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