The race was postponed “so as to prevent the risk of epidemic transmission [et] to effectively protect the health and safety of runners, staff and residents, “the organizers wrote in a statement.
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Does the Covid-19 pandemic threaten the organization of the next Winter Olympics? With a hundred days before the start of the event, the organizers of the Beijing marathon announced, Monday, October 25, that the race was postponed indefinitely. They explain having made this decision “so as to prevent the risk of epidemic transmission [et] to effectively protect the health and safety of runners, staff and residents “.
China on Monday recorded 39 new cases of Covid-19, testing its policy of “zero tolerance” towards the coronavirus. Some 30,000 runners were due to take part in the event on October 31. The Wuhan marathon, which was to have 26,000 participants last Sunday, was also canceled at the last moment for the same reasons.
Beijing will mark Wednesday, October 27, the 100 days leading up to the Winter Olympics, which will begin on February 4. Organizers admitted earlier this month that they were “facing great pressure” due to Covid-19. Chinese authorities are trying to contain the contagion by carrying out massive tests on residents and targeted closures. Authorities announced on October 24 the suspension of inter-provincial organized trips to five regions where cases have been detected, including Beijing. Some cities have also suspended bus and taxi services.