KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Participants will have to wait another year to enjoy two of Kalamazoo’s premier springtime races, as the events gets put on hold due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Organizers posted to social media and the organization’s website on Monday announcing the cancelation of both the Kalamazoo Marathon and Borgess “Run For The Health Of It!” events during the 2020 season.
Runners who have already signed up and paid for the event will have the option of receiving a refund, or donating the money spent on the race to a local charity instead.
The organization says they have sent out emails to those who have signed up explaining the refund process and their donation options.
The 41st annual Borgess Run and 10th annual Kalamazoo Marathon were set to take place on Sunday, May 3rd, involving a variety of distance races bringing runners through courses in Kalamazoo and Portage.
“Our approach to this race has always been ‘runners come first.’ While we know – and you told us – that the delay was uncomfortable, it was necessary to align the forces necessary make it possible for runners to come first.” said the Kalamazoo Marathon’s Facebook page in an online statement.
A date for next year has already been announced by organization officials, with races planned to take place on May 2nd, 2021.