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Boston Marathon To Be Held Oct. 11

The deserted Boston Marathon starting line in Hopkinton on Patriots' Day in 2020. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)
The deserted Boston Marathon starting line in Hopkinton on Patriots' Day in 2020. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

Boston Marathon organizers are tentatively targeting Monday, Oct. 11 as the date for this year's race if road races can take place under Massachusetts regulations by that point, the Boston Athletic Association announced Tuesday.

The association had postponed and then canceled the 2020 marathon when the pandemic hit, and it already pushed the 2021 race back from its traditional springtime date as COVID-19 continues to pose threats.

"We announce the 2021 Boston Marathon date with a cautious optimism, understanding full well that we will continue to be guided by science and our continued collaborative work with local, city, state, and public health officials," BAA CEO Tom Grilk said in a statement. "If we are able to hold an in-person race in October, the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators, and community members will be paramount."

Road races are not included until Phase 4 of the Baker administration's phased reopening plan, which is contingent upon availability of vaccines or COVID-19 treatments. In a statement published by the BAA, Gov. Charlie Baker said his team "remain(s) hopeful that the 125th Boston Marathon can take place this October."

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