New York City Marathon, set for Nov. 1, canceled due to coronavirus

The 2020 New York City Marathon has been canceled due to the coronavirus, race organizers announced Wednesday.

The New York Road Runners said the decision was made in conjunction with the office of Mayor Bill de Blasio, who credited the organizers for their decision.

"While the marathon is an iconic and beloved event in our city, I applaud New York Road Runners for putting the health and safety of both spectators and runners first," De Blasio said in a statement. "We look forward to hosting the 50th running of the marathon in November of 2021."

The NYC Marathon, which had a record 53,640 finishers in 2019 to the be world's largest 26.2-mile race, had been scheduled for Nov. 1.

"Canceling this year's TCS New York City Marathon is incredibly disappointing for everyone involved, but it was clearly the course we needed to follow from a health and safety perspective," Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners, said in a statement. "Marathon Day and the many related events and activities during race week are part of the heart and soul of New York City and the global running community, and we look forward to coming together next year."

Runners signed for the 2020 marathon will have the option of receiving a refund or defer their entry to 2021, 2022 or 2023.