Ireland

Dublin marathon cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic

The Dublin marathon attracts thousands of runners every year. Picture by Niall Carson, Press Association
The Dublin marathon attracts thousands of runners every year. Picture by Niall Carson, Press Association The Dublin marathon attracts thousands of runners every year. Picture by Niall Carson, Press Association

The organisers of Dublin Marathon have confirmed they have cancelled the annual event due to Covid-19.

The marathon had been scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 25.

Jim Aughney, race director, said: "We know this is extremely disappointing for all runners, especially those who secured marathon entries.

"We made the difficult decision in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of all those involved in making our events such a success from runners, supporters, volunteers, sponsors, to suppliers.

"We explored many alternatives for running the events safely but ultimately none were viable."

READ MORE: Family stage own version of Belfast Marathon to support Friends of the Cancer Centre

All entries for the marathon and the race series will be valid for the 2021 races.

Aidan Power, director of marketing and corporate affairs of KBC who sponsor the event, said: "Whilst this decision will disappoint the many loyal runners and spectators of the Dublin Marathon, it is essential that public health and wellbeing takes priority over everything else."