Organisers of the 2020 London Marathon are “closely monitoring” the current coronavirus pandemic which could cause the race to be abandoned.
Sporting events across Europe have been cancelled due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, with football fixtures in Italy the latest to fall foul.
Should the disease spread further, more events are likely to be postponed over health fears.
With the marathon not due to take place until Sunday April 26, it is not under immediate threat of being cancelled.
Speaking to Runners World , event director at London Marathon Events, Hugh Brasher, said in a statement: “We, along with the rest of the world, are monitoring closely the developments relating to the spread of coronavirus and noting the updates and advice given by the UK Government, the World Health Organisation and other public bodies.
(Image: Getty Images)
“With two months to go before the event on Sunday 26 April, we will continue to monitor the situation.”
The situation has worsened in the UK after one patient was diagnosed with the illness without leaving the country.
Italy remains the worst-affected nation in Europe at present, and all Serie A fixtures this weekend have been called off as a result.
UEFA executive committee member Michelle Uva said: “We are at the waiting stage. We are monitoring country by country, and football must follow the orders of the individual countries.
“The sporting path will only be closed if the situation gets worse.”
Such a problem could yet face the English Premier League, with officials of the division in ongoing talks to keep tabs on the situation.
Other sporting events across the globe have also been affected, and more are under threat.
All of Italy’s Rugby Six Nations fixtures have been postponed, as well as the Chinese Grand Pix, while further Formula One races and WWE’s Wrestlemania are also at risk of being cancelled.
The summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, may also not go ahead, despite not being due to start until August.
