Los Angeles (AFP)

The Boston Marathon, canceled for the first time in its history this year because of the coronavirus, sees its 2021 edition postponed for the same reason, from its traditional slot from April to "at least fall", announced Wednesday its organizers.

The prestigious event usually takes place on the third Monday in April, attracting thousands of runners from around the world.

"With less than six months from the original deadline, since road races are prohibited until the accession to phase 4 of the plan to reopen Massachusetts, we cannot host the Boston Marathon next April" said Boston Athletic Association (BAA) CEO Tom Grilk.

"By focusing on a fall date, we can continue to work with stakeholders to optimize the racing experience for participants and spectators (...) We continue to assess all possibilities, including a date falling at the end of the week, "he added.

Date that the BAA hopes to unveil by the end of 2020.

The announcement comes as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread in the United States, which has already recorded more than 8.8 million cases and 227,000 deaths.

The coronavirus has already led to the cancellation of the main marathons this year, in Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York.

Only the one in London took place in October, reduced to participation of elite runners only.

© 2020 AFP