Manchester Road Race going virtual
The Manchester Road Race, which was supposed to take place on Thanksgiving Day with a limited field of 500, has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, race organizers announced Saturday. The race, which normally attracts more than 10,000 runners and walkers, will be held virtually.
The Manchester Road Race, which was supposed to take place on Thanksgiving Day with a limited field of 500 runners, has been canceled, road race organizers announced Saturday.
“We have said continually that the health and safety of our runners, volunteers and spectators was our primary concern,” road race president Tris Carta said in a statement. “Our committee developed a plan, consistent with state guidelines, for a limited, 500-runner event that we believed could be safely run in waves of 25 runners each.
“After further review and consultation with officials from the Town of Manchester, we have sadly reached the conclusion that, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it will not be possible from a health and logistical standpoint for us to safely hold an on-site race this Thanksgiving.”
The race, which normally attracts over 10,000 runners and walkers, will be held virtually. Details are available on the race website, www.manchesterroadrace.com. Registration will begin Oct. 1.
In August, race organizers announced that the race would be held with a limited field of 500. Current state guidelines allow for 500 people to gather outdoors at events with proper spacing.
Other large state races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race, have gone virtual.
The race, which began in 1927, was not held from 1935-44 to the Great Depression and World War II. It resumed in 1945 and has been run every year since.
“It is sad, because the Manchester Road Race is a wonderful holiday tradition that has become a beloved annual event in town” Carta said. “But we will do everything in our power to bring the race back bigger and better next year.”
“Although so many of us are disappointed that the Manchester Road Race will not be live this year, keeping our community and the many visitors who come to town on Thanksgiving Day safe is our No. 1 priority,” Manchester mayor Jay Moran said in the statement.