Reviewed by:
Detour ahead—the Mercedes-Benz Marathon has been postponed to 2022
Hold your horses. It was recently announced that the 20th Anniversary Mercedes-Benz Marathon is postponed until next year due to COVID-19. Keep reading to hear their future plans and how kids can still get involved.
A detour for Alabama’s biggest road race
We’re not surprised to see events postponed due to the pandemic, but this one hurt a little extra.
“Based on the current situation with COVID-19 and the inability to secure event permits for the postponed April date, we could not in good conscience proceed with hosting the event this spring.
We understand it is a huge disappointment, but this is necessary for the health and safety of all involved. The pandemic has deeply impacted planning, access to resources needed to carry out the race and the uncertainty will not allow us to put on a quality event and protect our runners, staff and volunteers who have made the event so successful during its 19-year history.”
Valerie Cuddy, Chairman, Mercedes-Benz Marathon
If you were all laced up and ready to go for this year’s event, you can work with event planners regarding different options to roll over registration to next year’s race.
The Mercedes-Benz Marathon was more than just a race. It was a celebratory weekend to come together as a community and raise money for charities. But just because the race is cancelled, doesn’t mean giving back is.
Sponsors are encouraged to continue their support for Mercedes-Benz Marathon’s official charity, The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, throughout the year. The Bell Center helps children from birth to age three who are at risk for developmental delay.
Despite the Mercedes-Benz Marathon being postponed, the 2021 BellRunners program is not. It supports The Bell Center and this year’s event is structured slightly different. Follow them on social to keep up with the latest updates.
You can learn more about The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs and their mission here.
What about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Kids marathon?
The kiddos can still participate this year in the modified Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Kids Mercedes-Benz Marathon. Kids who wish to complete their 25.2 miles can do so in weekly increments or organized sessions at their schools.
Rather than finishing the final mile on February 20 at Railroad Park, they can run through organized activities at their schools or run it virtually. Once they reach their personal finish line, they can receive their medals to show off their accomplishments.
Save the Date
The 20th Mercedes Marathon will now be held on February 11-13, 2022. That gives you plenty of time to lace up those shoes and train even more for The 20th Mercedes-Benz Marathon.