Following the decision recently made by the Health Committee of the Hellenic Secretariat of Sports that prohibits the staging of running outdoor/off-stage events with more than 100 persons involved (participants and staff), the Hellenic Athletics Federation and the City of Athens, in consultation with the Attica Region, announce that the 2020 Athens Half Marathon, scheduled to take place on September 20^th, is now cancelled.

It is noted, that the Athens Half Marathon would be held on September 20^th, with the written approval and as agreed with the City of Athens and Attica Region, given that the Health Protocol that the Hellenic Athletics Federation has developed and had it approved by the Health Committee of the Hellenic Secretariat of Sports was still considered in place. This Protocol was incorporating strict social distancing regulations and measures protecting the Public Health, and it was approved, prior to its announcement, by all relevant authorities. Furthermore, its concise and full content had achieved international appeal and recognition as a template manual for running events around the world. For all the hard work and efforts made up to this day, we are grateful to the Organizing, Technical and Health Committees of the Athens Half Marathon, and to the staff of the Hellenic Athletics Federation, the City of Athens and Attica Region.

The decision for the cancellation of the 2020 Athens Half Marathon event is truly an unpleasant one, which upsets our runners and volunteers. It is evident that at this late stage, the Hellenic Athletics Federation had already proceeded to significant expenses regarding the staging of the race. However, protection of public health is and will always be our top priority.

We sincerely thank all parties that have contributed so far to an excellent preparation for the event, and especially ERGO Insurance, the Athens Half Marathon Grand Sponsor, as well as the rest of our Sponsors and Supporters. Furthermore, we would also like to thank our State Partners, such as the Hellenic Police, the National First Aid Centre, OASA, and TRAINOSE, the Acropolis and Benaki Museums, the running clubs in Greece and all volunteer and rescue teams.

Those who were already registered in the 2020 Athens Half Marathon event will receive a personal email within the next days with information regarding their entry and the possibility to either defer their participation into next year’s event or receive back the entry fee.

As for the 2020 Half Marathon Race National Championship, SEGAS will closely consult with all associated parties and announce over the next days its decisions on whether, when, and where it will be held.