ZAGREB, September 29, 2020 — The 29th Zagreb Marathon, scheduled for Sunday October 11, will not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It would be impossible to preserve the safety of the participants and fellow citizens. To keep with the “running spirit”, they will offer virtual races as an alternative.
On Monday the organizers released a public statement regarding the cancelation:
“We have made our best efforts to provide all the necessary conditions for the 29th Zagreb Marathon. However, we must regretfully inform you that we have to cancel the races.”
The Zagreb marathon was planned for Sunday, October 11, 2020, with the start and finish on Ban Josip Jelačić Square.
Safety of Runners and Citizens Not Secured
The organization, which received a Bronze label from World Athletics, continued, “Unfortunately, the Zagreb Marathon, like others in the world, suffered the same fate this year.”
Precisely because of mass-cancelations of many marathons in Europe and the world, many runners had wanted to attend the Zagreb Marathon.
“Due to the large number of participants from Croatia and the world, we cannot consciously take the risk of endangering the health of our runners and the potential of spreading the infection to other fellow citizens. The Zagreb Marathon aims to promote a healthy life, and we certainly want it to stay that way.”
Marathon Postponed and Virtual Races Instead
However, to keep October 11 in the “spirit of running”, the organizers announced a series of virtual races. Preparations for this initiative are underway and they will publish the necessary information soon on their website. They acknowledge that this year has been uncertain and difficult for organizing all events.
“We had hoped to hold the event and adhere to all the changes and epidemiological measures. However, there are still too many participants for the current epidemiological situation.”
Finally, the organizers expressed their hopes that 2020 will an exception. Therefore, they hope to welcome everyone to the 29th Zagreb Marathon on October 10, 2021. They also hope to do so with “joy and satisfaction, which befits an event like this”.
People with a ticket for this year’s race can exchange it for next year’s race or ask for a refund.
Read the full statement on the official website for the Zagreb Marathon or Facebook page here. Follow our Sport page to stay updated on sporting events in Croatia.
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