Race director Forrest Karr, also athletic director at Northern Michigan University, announced Tuesday on behalf of the organizing committee that the marathon and affiliated events scheduled for Sept. 4-5 have been canceled.

The announcement was, of course, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Karr said the committee reviewed the Michigan Safe Start Plan and talked to multiple health care providers before making its decision, taking into account the health and safety of participants, volunteers, staff and other area residents.

Organizers, however, didn’t want to just cancel it outright and instead will offer an alternative format with a virtual marathon and half marathon.

Runners can run those distances from Sept. 3-11, and for $35, will receive a participant T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Organizers haven’t ironed out all the details yet.

Matthew Cosby of downstate Bronson approaches the finish line as the men's marathon runner-up during the Marquette Marathon that finished up on North Third Street in Marquette on Sept. 1, 2018. (Journal file photo by Steve Brownlee)

Sign-up for the virtual event is available at https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Marquette/MarquetteMarathon.

For those who previously registered for this year’s regular marathon, there are three options available — receive a full refund, move registration to 2021 or donate the fee.

Those registered should have received an email through RunSignup about this information already.

Organizers already have next year’s marathon scheduled for Sept. 3-4, 2021, that will include the customary marathon, half marathon, five-kilometer run and kids’ one-mile fun run.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.