No Boston Marathon Date Announcement Until Early 2021: Officials

BOSTON — The Boston Athletic Association hasn't set a date for the 2021 Boston Marathon because of the recent surge in coronavirus cases in Massachusetts — and an announcement will not come before the end of this year.

"Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, we will not be able to confirm a fall Boston Marathon date until early 2021," the group said in a social media post Tuesday. "The B.A.A. will continue to work with city and state officials in preparation for a safe return to in-person racing in the fall."

In October, race officials said the marathon will be delayed from its traditional April date until "at least" the fall. At the time, they said they hoped to announce a rescheduled date by the end of this year.

"With fewer than six months until Patriots’ Day and with road races prohibited until Phase 4 of the Massachusetts reopening plan, we are unable to host the Boston Marathon this coming April," B.A.A. Chief Executive Tom Grilk said at the time. "By shifting our focus to a fall date, we can continue to work with stakeholders to adjust the in-person experience for runners and supporters alike."

Grilik said the marathon — which was canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic — may have a reduced field and could be held on a weekend to limit COVID-19 exposure for the runners, volunteers and spectators. It was the first time the race was canceled since it started in 1897.

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).