Generali Cologne Marathon cancelled
Jun 26, 2020
With the prolongation of the prohibition of mass events by the German Federal Government last week it was already implied, but now it is clear: We have to cancel the race with a very heavy heart.
Up to date we hoped to be able to set up a running experience despite the pandemic restrictions.
However, in consideration of the necessary measures of the Corona Protection Provision of the North Rhine-Westphalia federal state for the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic the implementation of the Cologne Marathon will not be possible. Particularly the compliance with the distance rules, mandatory face masks and the tracking of contacts cannot be guaranteed within the framework of North Rhine Westphalia’s biggest mass sport event in a city with more than a million inhabitants.
We think that a ‘Corona variant’ of the Generali Cologne Marathon with face masks at the start and in the finish, wave starts, safety distance on the course without any spectators as well as the abolition of hotspots, the refreshment village and after run party cannot come up to the typical character of the race.
The event’s USP – emotion and enthusiasm – attracted 28,554 runners and an estimated 300,000 spectators onto and along the course last year.
Due to the sensitive situation the risk of contagion for runners and relatives, spectators and volunteers is too high. We do not want to risk an infection hotspot with the event at all, with a possible consequence of a lockdown for Cologne and surroundings.
Inspite of the frustrations let us look forward to a mutual running experience on October 3, 2021!
All registered participants will receive an email with details about the refund of the entry fee.
How will we proceed?
We cannot do nothing. A lot of you looked forward to the Generali Cologne Marathon and prepared for it over months. We would like to see you running on October 4 nonetheless – wherever you will be then.
Take pictures, use your GPS watch or smartphone, post etc. Become part of the Generali Cologne Marathon community.
We will present a digital platform soon. Stay tuned!
