NYC Half Marathon Canceled Due To Coronavirus

NEW YORK, NY — One of New York City's biggest races of the year, the New York Road Runners NYC Half, has been canceled due to safety and logistical concerns presented by the spread of coronavirus, New York Road Runners leaders announced Tuesday.

The NYC Half, which was expected to draw about 25,000 runners to the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan, was scheduled for Sunday, March 15. Runners who signed up for the event will be contacted by New York Road Runners in the coming days to arrange a full refund or free entry to the 2021 NYC Half.

"We know this is a challenging time for everyone, and the cancellation of the NYC Half is disappointing news to many, but the resources necessary to organize an event with 25,000 runners on the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan have become strained during this difficult period," a New York Road Runners statement released Tuesday reads.

New York Road Runners made the decision to cancel the NYC Half after attempting to work out a plan to implement measures to reduce overcrowding at the event, according to the group's statement. A Rising New York Road Runners youth event that coincided with the NYC Half has also been canceled.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 173 New York State residents have tested positive for coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced. A vast majority of these cases are located in Westchester County, with the city of New Rochelle acting as a cluster. Thirty-six New York City residents have tested positive for the fast-spreading and potentially deadly virus, Cuomo said.

Institutions around New York City have been taking extra precautions as coronavirus spreads within the state. The United Nations announced Tuesday that it will close its Midtown Manhattan headquarters to the public and direct much of its staff to work from home. A number of New York City private schools and colleges have also canceled classes.