Boston Marathon Postponed to September 14 as COVID-19 Forces Historic Date Change

Uncategorized 2026-07-22 clip6240 · Meeting of July 22, 2026

Boston officials postpone the 2020 Boston Marathon to September 14 over COVID-19 concerns. Mayor Marty Walsh and Governor Charlie Baker joined Boston Athletic Association CEO Tom Groke and John Hancock President Marianne Harrison at a joint press conference Friday to announce the historic postponement from the traditional April 20 Patriots' Day date, citing the impossibility of social distancing along a route drawing an estimated one million spectators. Walsh said outright cancellation would have cost the regional economy $211 million and wiped out nearly $40 million in charity fundraising.

Baker announced he would file legislation to make September 14 an official Marathon Monday holiday, saying House and Senate leadership were immediately supportive. Groke said the BAA would address runner refund and deferral questions within the week at BAA.org. Walsh urged runners not to attempt an unofficial run on April 20, warning that no barriers, barricades, or public safety personnel would be in place.

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Source: the Uncategorized 2026-07-22 clip6240 meeting of July 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.