Rome Marathon canceled

All races in italy have been cancelled for all of March

Paris Marathon cancelled as well

douglas burke wrote:

Paris Marathon cancelled as well

My Bad postponed until October.

;

You have to wonder about Boston and London (and Rotterdam)? They're all in April and right around the corner.

Jerusalem Marathon has also been postponed. Ryan and Sara Hall were taking a group to Jerusalem to run the marathon and do the tourist things.

https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Jerusalem-Martathon-postponsed-over-coronavirus-619895

Lippu wrote:

All races in italy have been cancelled for all of March

Schools closed too. They're completely freaking out with pharmacies out of masks and hand sanitisers.

Professional cycling is being hit too. Strade Bianche cancelled. Tirreno-Adriatico and Milan-San Remo postponed. Giro d'Italia looking at changes or postponement.

Boston/London Next? wrote:

You have to wonder about Boston and London (and Rotterdam)? They're all in April and right around the corner.

I cannot see the BAA cancelling Boston short of a direct order to do so by the state government -- it's an organization and city that thrives on legacy and history, and I don't see them giving up their streak of holding it regardless of world wars, disease, weather, etc. I'm sure there will be tons of local public health messaging, mobile hand washing stations, possibly modifying the participation somehow, and maybe even permitting entrants to defer so that maybe-sick people don't feel as bad about skipping it. I'll bet they'll spring for every possible public health precaution they can take (e.g. mandatory testing for aid station and med tent volunteers), but I cannot see them cancelling.

Speaking of races with long legacies, I wonder how this might affect the Tour de France. Even without amateur participants, the spectator pool is pretty large and international.

ThrowMeSomeNumbers wrote:

I cannot see the BAA cancelling Boston short of a direct order to do so by the state government

Look to Europe. Soccer games without spectators (even Champions league matches), all major marathons being cancelled. Same will happen here.

Speaking of races with long legacies, I wonder how this might affect the Tour de France.

Tour de France is in July. A lot of things can happen until then.

The pressure from the media and general public may overwhelm the BAA and force them to cancel the race. The BAA/Boston Marathons would not want the public perception of the race sour due to claims that by holding the event they caused the corona virus to spread and lead to the death of some runners or spectators. While I would suspect most runners do not have underlying health issues I suspect some of the elderly runners do have underlying health issues. Some younger runners such as charity runners may also have underlying health issues.

Elderly have weaker immune systems and are more likely to have underlying health issues. They should get the yearly flu vaccine but it never provides 100% protection so they should probably practice at least some social distancing during every flu season. With no corona virus vaccine and with the much higher death rate for elderly and those with underlying health issues, those at risk should not run or spectate at the Boston Marathon. They should also avoid cruise ships, airplanes, mass transit, XFL games, soccer games, basketball games, conventions, religious services, and any other locations/event with crowds. Those caring for elderly and those with underlying health conditions should also take steps to avoid catching the virus as they could easily transmit it on to those in the at risk groups. Shutting down schools and universities will likely to more to protect the lives of staff and family members rather than the students themselves unless they are among the low percentage of young with underlying health issues.