2021 Boston Marathon postponed

Katie Lannan

Another spring will pass without the running of the Boston Marathon. After first postponing this year’s race and then transitioning it to an entirely virtual event, the Boston Athletic Association announced Wednesday that next year’s marathon will not be held on its traditional April date and will instead “be postponed until at least the fall of 2021.”

Organizers said they have been meeting regularly with a COVID-19 advisory group and will work with officials, sponsors and other stakeholders “to determine if a fall 2021 date is feasible” and identify the conditions that would permit the next live, in-person marathon to occur.

“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,” said Tom Grilk, the head of the BAA. “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. Prioritizing the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators, and community members, we continue to assess all elements of the race including a potential reduced field size or weekend date.”

The association said it hopes to announce a new date before the end of the year.