Pittsburgh Marathon canceled over coronavirus pandemic

The Pittsburgh Marathon is canceled for 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Race organizer P3R announced Wednesday that it was following Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s executive order that banned gatherings of more than 50 people.

“All of us at P3R are disappointed and frustrated that this year’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon has been canceled,” Troy Schooley, P3R’s CEO said in a statement. “But we know that this is really the only decision the city of Pittsburgh could make given the current environment and that it’s the right thing to do to ensure the safety of our participants, staff, volunteers, medical professionals, security personnel and spectators.”

The race and accompanying events were scheduled for May 1-3.

Registered entrants have the option to participate virtually by running at home or in another safe area to earn a finisher medal.

Participants also can get a refund of their registration fee.

The Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003 and every year since 2009. It attracts almost 40,000 runners each year.