NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The New York City marathon will return this year, after being canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement on Monday during a coronavirus press conference, in which he also announced that New York State will be adopting the new guidelines set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saying vaccinated people can go maskless in most indoor settings.
“The marathon is back,” Cuomo said. “And that is a great, great New York event that excites people from all across the globe.”
This year will be the marathon’s 50th running and the event will take place on Nov. 7, 2021.
Typically, nearly 200,000 runners can apply for a spot in the race, but the course can only handle about 53,000 runners spaced out over four waves.
This year, the race will be at 60% capacity, meaning only 33,000 runners will get a spot.
Though, Gov. Cuomo notes that the state might expand capacity as the event date draws closer.
Registration for the race opens on June 8. Those who wish to grab a spot can register on the New York Road Runner’s website.
The marathon began in 1970 with just 55 runners. Five decades later, over a million have crossed the legendary finish line in Central Park.
Stay informed, stay connected — follow WCBS 880 on Facebook and Twitter. Listen live to WCBS 880 Newsradio.