The starting line at a previous Boston Marathon (photo credit: Boston Marathon)

When COVID-19 spread to the United States and shelter-in-place rules took effect in Massachusetts, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh postponed the Boston Marathon until September 14. When he later announced that the event would be cancelled this year because of the continued risk to public health and safety, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), the organizers of the marathon, changed it to a virtual event.

The BAA will offer full refunds to anyone who registered and invite them to participate in the virtual Boston Marathon September 7-14. In addition to the virtual marathon, participants can watch exclusive panel discussions, interviews of champions, and download a Boston Marathon toolkit with a printable finish line, winner’s breaktape, and more.

Boston Marathon participants must complete the 26.2-mile distance within a consecutive six-hour time period from September 7 to 14 and provide proof of timing to the BAA. All participants completing the virtual race will receive an official Boston Marathon program, T-shirt, medal, and runner’s bib.

This is the first time in the Boston Marathon’s 124-year history that it has not been held in person on the third Monday of April, also known as Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts.

The Boston Marathon is the largest marathon in the world and draws 30,000 runners worldwide every year.

For details and updates about the 2020 virtual marathon, visit the Boston Marathon’s website or Facebook page.