For First Time Ever, NYC Marathon Is Double-Canceled
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When organizers of the New York City Marathon announced in June that the 2020 race was canceled, runners everywhere were saddened, if not surprised; the coronavirus pandemic had already led to dozens of such cancelations.
Today, however, comes a bit of unprecedented news: The New York City Marathon, for the first time in the event’s 50-year history, has been double-canceled.
“We understand that a double-cancelation is an extraordinary step,” said the New York Road Runners, which organizes the marathon, in a news release. “But these are extraordinary times.”
“It was not a decision that we took lightly,” the statement said.
According to the news release, double-cancelation means that the race is really canceled. From a practical point of view, it means that even if organizers decided to un-cancel the marathon, it would still be canceled.
“Imagine a big box containing the New York City Marathon,” the statement said. “In June, we locked that box shut when we canceled the race. Today, we are adding a second lock. In short, the race is double-canceled.”
The NYRR said it considered enacting a double-secret cancelation, but ultimately decided to make the move public. It also did not rule out an even more extreme measure, if the pandemic worsens.
“We don’t want to go there,” the statement said, “but if the situation warrants it, we are prepared to announce a triple-dog-cancelation.”
