Tokyo Marathon cancelled for 38,000 runners on Covid-19 fears

Major events have been called off or postponed in recent months due to the virus

by BLOOMBERG/ pic by BLOOMBERG

TOKYO • The Tokyo Marathon Foundation said it will cancel the running event for non-professional runners as the Covid-19 outbreak pressures cities and institutions to scrap large events.

Some 38,000 runners have registered for the race scheduled on March 1, according to the Tokyo Shimbun, which reported on the cancellation earlier.

“The cancellation is disappointing,” said Akari Terrell, who was planning to compete on the day. “This time, it can’t be helped.”

Competitive races will still be held as the Tokyo marathon is an Olympic trial race for professional runners. Last week, residents from China were asked to refrain from running in the race.

Major events have been called off or postponed in recent months due to the virus, including the Hong Kong Sevens international rugby tournament, as well as the annual Singapore Yacht Show.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in February had repeatedly said the 2020 Olympics would not be cancelled or postponed despite fears about Covid-19 that has infected tens of thousands and cast a shadow over travel and tourism in Asia. — Bloomberg