Ogden Marathon Cancels 20th Anniversary Race
Jun 29, 2020, 4:04 PM | Updated: Apr 26, 2021, 3:39 pm
(Photo courtesy of Ravell Call, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Ravell Call, Deseret News)
OGDEN, Utah – The GOAL Foundation, producers of the Ogden Marathon, announced that the America First Ogden Marathon and all of its related events for 2020 have been canceled.
The GOAL Foundation canceled the events because of health and safety concerns of their athletes, volunteers and community.
“We acknowledge and empathize greatly with the difficulty in having to make this decision, but are committed to the health and safety of our community and everyone involved with the marathon” said Eric Bauman, Executive Director of the GOAL Foundation. “We appreciate your understanding and support in this difficult time.”
Over the past few months, the GOAL Foundation team has talked to community partners, other race directors as well as local and state health officials. After considering modified options it became clear that it would not be possible to produce the Ogden Marathon in 2020 while ensuring the safety of over 20,000 people and providing an exceptional event experience.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the athletes, volunteers, community partners, and sponsors who for the last 19 years, have made the Ogden Marathon one of the best marathons in the entire country,” Said Ogden City Mayor Mike Caldwell. “We look forward to being able to host the Ogden Marathon and celebrate as a community when it is safe to do so.”
September will be a month-long celebration to honor all who have made this event possible for the past 19 years. The GOAL Foundation is committed to the Ogden Marathon family and are planning sponsor highlights, legacy athlete recognition, volunteer spotlights and community tributes.
“We look forward to seeing you on May 15, 2021 for our 20th anniversary with a world class expo, our incredibly scenic course, and a world class finish line festival, said Bauman. “We will honor and celebrate all of you, as a community, cheering you on and looking forward to hanging your well-earned medal around your neck at the finish line.”
If you would like to help the GOAL Foundation continue to provide support for their youth programming and community outreach you can make a donation or join their volunteer mailing list at: www.getoutandlive.org
