Boston Marathon canceled as an in-person event

The Boston Marathon has been cancelled as an in-person event, and will instead be held virtually in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Boston Athletic Association announced Thursday.

The big picture: This is the first time the race has been cancelled in its 124-year history. It was previously slated for Sept. 14, after the initial April 20 race date was postponed. The BAA 5K scheduled for Sept. 12 has also been cancelled. Would-be runners for both events will be refunded their entry fee.