BUFFALO, N.Y. — Organizers of the Buffalo Marathon, which was originally scheduled for Sunday, are urging local runners not to run the scheduled route because it will break social distancing protocols and there will be no organized support for the race.
Marathon officials got wind of groups of people on social media who planned to run the marathon's route this weekend and others who promised to set up aid stations for runners. However, Marathon organizers are urging these people to use good judgment.
The race released the following reminders.
- There will be NO closed roads or traffic control.
- There will be NO sanctioned aid stations.
- There will be NO on-course medical support.
- Gatherings of no more than 10 people are still per Phase 1 restrictions.
- We have been in contact with the Buffalo Police Department and they would like to remind everyone this Memorial Day Weekend to stay safe, continue to follow the social distancing guidelines and not to mass gather.
- We look forward to seeing everyone returning in 2021 safe and healthy.
Runners who were scheduled to participate in the marathon before it was postponed are asked to make a donation to the Buffalo Marathon Fundraiser For the Front Line Workers, to benefit Kaleida's coronavirus response. Donations to the fundraiser can be made here.
On Friday, two more events were canceled this year.
This summer's Empire State Ride from New York City to Niagara Falls has been canceled because of safety concerns.
And the 2020 Men's Porter Cup will not take place due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It's the first time since 1959 the amateur golf tournament has been canceled.