Don't Run The Boston Marathon Route On Monday, Mayor Walsh Says

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh delivered a warning in a Friday afternoon press conference to anyone considering running the Boston Marathon on Monday: Don't even think about it.

Last month, the marathon was postponed from its original date set for April 20 for the first time in its history to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The new date was set for Sept. 14.

While Walsh said he has a lot of respect for marathoners, calling them champions, he said he is worried about rumors runners will thwart public health guidance related to physical distancing to try to complete the route on Monday.

"If you try to run the marathon route on Monday, you’re not a champion," he said, adding, "Nobody is going to be clapping for you."

Walsh stressed that attempting to run the marathon Monday is not a smart nor safe decision, adding that people should save their energy for Sept. 14, when the city hopes to host the event.

His comments are in line with what officials in Hopkinton — the location of the marathon start line — are saying.

"It starts in Hopkinton, ends in Boston. We won't be celebrating you here in Boston, I can tell you that," Walsh said. "I can’t stress enough [for] people thinking to run the marathon, it’s just not the right thing to do."