This year's Montreal marathon is cancelled, public health confirms
Quebec public health says there was no way to ensure health measures are respected
Quebec public health has confirmed that the Montreal marathon will be cancelled this year.
In a statement, public health said it would be difficult to ensure the marathon complies with all necessary health measures.
It said the organizers decided to cancel the event, which was set to take place Sept. 19 and 20.
The organizers have not responded to a request for comment. This year would have marked the 30th edition of the marathon.
The 2019 edition of the race was marred by the death of a participant, and plagued by criticism concerning logistical issues that led to a late start.
Patrick Neely was competing in the 21.1-kilometre half-marathon when he collapsed about two kilometres from the finish line after going into cardiac arrest, authorities said.
The coroner's report outlined a series of lapses that may have contributed to Neely's death, including communication problems, poor organization and a shortage of volunteers.
Three days later, the race director and producer of the marathon, Dominique Piché, announced his resignation.
In January, the marathon lost one of its major sponsors when Lassonde, the company behind the Oasis juice brand, announced that it was pulling out of the event.
It cited "a significant number of shortcomings" in the organization and running of Montreal's races over the previous few years.
Lassonde had sponsored the race for 17 years.