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The London Marathon is one of the biggest events of the calendar, with professional and amatuer runners competing to complete the 26-mile course through London. Like many other events this year, the marathon was forced into postponement due to coronavirus.

As the UK eases out of COVID-19 lockdown, many runners are wondering if a socially distanced autumn marathon is a realistic possibility.

The event is last of the World Marathon Majors still hoping to be held this year after Boston, Berlin, New York and Chicago shelved plans for their 2020 races.

The London Marathon was originally scheduled for April 26, but was postponed to October 4 following COVID-19 disruptions.

So far the marathon has not been cancelled, but now, final decisions on whether the marathon will go ahead have been pushed back.

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An announcement was expected tomorrow on whether the marathon would still go ahead with its October 4.

In an open letter to all participants on Monday, event director Hugh Brasher said the delay was due to a need for further consultation with local NHS Trusts, the emergency services and local authorities.

He said: “We know how important the Virgin Money London Marathon is to you, to charities and in showing the world the wonderful spirit of London, of Great Britain and of our running community.

“So please bear with us while we finish the extensive work we have been doing to try to enable us to run together, safely.

“I will be in contact with our final decision and the options available to you no later than Friday, August 7.”

In a previous statement to runners, Brasher said: “While some may think what we are trying to do on Sunday, October 4 is impossible, we will not give up hope.”

Guidelines on the return of mass participation running events were published on Tuesday, July 21 with the first races expected to go ahead under the new regulations in August, September and beyond.

In a virtual press conference held two days before the original London Marathon date in April, Mr Brasher said there were a number of possible scenarios being looked at for the postponed race.

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“I will be in contact with our final decision and the options available to you no later than Friday, August 7.”

In a previous statement to runners, Brasher said: “While some may think what we are trying to do on Sunday, October 4 is impossible, we will not give up hope.”

Guidelines on the return of mass participation running events were published on Tuesday, July 21 with the first races expected to go ahead under the new regulations in August, September and beyond.

In a virtual press conference held two days before the original London Marathon date in April, Mr Brasher said there were a number of possible scenarios being looked at for the postponed race.

“We have to look at this holistically for society.

“It’s far bigger than just saying, ‘What is right for the Virgin Money London Marathon?’

“This is about what is right for society and that is a really important part of the decision-making process.”

Clearly, an event such as the London Marathon does not lend itself well to social distancing guidance.

As it currently stands, none of the Elite runners have confirmed publically whether they will be taking place in the new race, Express.co.uk understands.

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