Danang goes virtual after new Covid outbreak

The race statement read: “Our long-standing mission has always been to provide a unique running experience at one of the most magnificent marathon courses in Asia for thousands of runners from across the world. However, we – as the organiser of the Manulife Danang International Marathon, can only do this when we can guarantee the safety for all participants, the running community, the host city as well as the locals.

“Our preparations for the race have been ready and this year’s medal is awaiting our runners. But, as [the source of] the new reported confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in Danang City remains unknown, in order to ensure the health and safety of all participants, we regret to inform you that Manulife Danang International Marathon 2020 will be officially cancelled.

“We have decided to change the Manulife Danang International Marathon 2020 into ‘Virtual Race’ format.”

The Vietnamese Government has sealed off the city from outside visitors and is organising the evacuation of 80,000 people, many of them tourists, as a precaution against the further spread of the virus. To date Vietnam has had 420 cases of infection and no deaths, although the condition of one of the four new cases is reported as critical.