x

BREAKING: Tokyo marathon cancelled over coronavirus

Organisers said Monday they are cancelling the amateur portion of the Tokyo marathon, affecting around 38,000 runners, on fears about the spread of the new coronavirus in Japan.

“We reached the conclusion that unfortunately it is difficult to organise the event… after several cases (of the virus) were confirmed in Tokyo,” the Tokyo Marathon Foundation said in a statement.

The decision will not affect elite runners, including elite wheelchair participants, the organisers said.

But they only account for around 200 of the tens of thousands of people who had registered for the March 1 race.

The cancellation comes after Japanese government officials warned the spread of the virus in the country entering “a new phase”.

At least 65 cases have been diagnosed in Japan, excluding hundreds of infections aboard a cruise ship quarantined off the coast.

On Sunday, the health minister warned citizens to avoid large crowds and non-essential gatherings, sparking speculation that the marathon would be cancelled.

A public gathering for the birthday of Emperor Naruhito that was scheduled for February 23 has also been cancelled on virus fears.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Zazzaga Celebrates Mutfwang’s Chief of Staff Satmak on Birthday

By Isreal Adamu, Jos Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga Chairman North Central...

Livestock Minster Maiha Champions Peaceful Coexistence in Plateau State

By Israel Adamu,Jos As part of the ongoing efforts to...

Resemblance between Ifeanyi and my new son scary — Davido

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has...

Gov Alia Applauds Benue Workers Over Pivotal Role Towards State’s Growth 

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth...

Buhari, CPC Bloc Staying in APC – Nasarawa Governor

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed speculations of...

NFF Pays Condolence Visit to Family of Late Football Legend Christian Chukwu

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img