Despite the Cork City Marathon being cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions, would-be runners can now take part in a virtual race instead.
The marathon, which was originally due to take place this weekend before being moved to September 6, was officially cancelled today.
However, an alternate race has been announced. For the first time in its 13-year run, the Cork City Marathon is moving online.
Registered participants are being encouraged to walk, jog, or run one of the five distance categories available through the Cork City Marathon virtual race website, which goes live on Sunday. Their final accumulative race times can be submitted via an e-form.
Cork City Council is encouraging those who registered to run for their chosen charities to take part in the marathon’s virtual races. Organisers describe it as an opportunity to run together by running apart.
"We have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event in the interest of the health and safety of our participants, volunteers and the thousands of Cork residents who have supported this great event over the last 13 years," said Adrienne Rodgers, Race Director.
The current restrictions on mass gatherings and activities only take us to August 10, but cognisant of the existing advice, we don’t believe it would be possible to run the event safely in its current format in September.
The first virtual races will kick off on May 31, during what would have been the official date for the marathon, and will be ongoing throughout the summer until September 6.
Runners registered for this year's marathon will see their entries automatically deferred to the 2021 race on Sunday, June 6, 2021. Alternatively, refunds can be requested by emailing info@corkcitymarathon.ie.
"We are hopeful that everyone that had registered for 2020 will stay registered and will continue to show their amazing support for this race through the virtual races," said Ms Rodgers.
"We invite spectators who are not registered, to tune in to our social channels to cheer the registered participants on. In 2021, we will be endeavouring to ensure that the Cork City Marathon will be the best yet while continuing to incorporate the virtual events."