While bars and restaurants are still operational (though even that currently hangs in the balance given the recent safety violations and rises in case numbers), the list of cancellations for the summer (and now the fall) grows ever larger. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon and a handful of local street festivals across Chicago are now canceled amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday, organizers for The Bank of America Chicago Marathon announced the 2020 race would be canceled due to “the ongoing public health concerns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.” The decision was also announced, “citing the challenges of staging an event of this scale at this time and out of concern for the safety of event participants, volunteers, event staff, and spectators.”
The race was initially set to happen on October 11th; news of the cancelation for an event in the fall brings more gravity to the state of events in the city and across the nation in the coming months amid the pandemic. With this news, Chicago joins New York City and Boston in canceled marathons. Those who were registered for the 2020 race in Chicago have the option to get an entry refund or defer their entry and place to the 2021, 2022, or 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathons. Those registered for the accompanying International Chicago 5k also have the same options available to them.
Executive Race Director Cary Pinkowski said in a statement, “Hope drives us as runners and as humans. My hope was to see everyone on the start line on Sunday, October 11, but our highest priority has always been the safety of our participants and our volunteers.” Organizers for the race are planning a “virtual experience to recognize the dedication and commitment of everyone who would have taken part in the 43rd running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.”
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With such large events and festivals reconsidering or canceling altogether, it should (unfortunately) come as no surprise that many street festivals and smaller events across the city are also striking a line through their 2020 dates. Taste of River North, Northalsted Market Days, Chicago Taco & Tequila Fest, Edge Fest, Chicago Jazz Festival, and the Bud Billiken Parade are some notable festivals and events that are confirmed to be canceled for 2020.
Other festivals and events of importance are postponing to August or later, while some are still in a TBD status overall. Randolph Street Market Festival, Chicago Food Truck Festival, and Roscoe Village Burger Fest have postponed their summer dates for the fall, but if other major events like The Bank of America Chicago Marathon continue their fall cancelations, expect even these postponed dates to be subject to cancelation. For a running update on which festivals and events are happening and which ones aren’t, Chicago Sun-Times has a wonderful list that will keep you in the loop.
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Featured Image Credit: The Bank of America Chicago Marathon Facebook Page