Nashville Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Canceled Due To Rising COVID Cases

The Nashville Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, set for this weekend, has been canceled due to the increase in coronavirus cases across the state. Organizers announced their decision on social media Monday afternoon (November 16).

"In meetings leading up to the event, the regional safety and health authorities were satisfied that the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series' proposed health and safety measures were well designed, and that participants, staff and the wider public would have been sufficiently protected from potential COVID-19 transmission," the statement read. "However, following a recent increase in cases across the greater Nashville region, we regret to share that the Rock 'n' Roll Nashville event cannot take place in 2020 and will now return on April 24-25, 2021."

Earlier this month, organizers described their "safe return to running" guidelines, including screening, enhanced hygiene, and density reduction, among others. They had expected 7,000 people to attend the race.

Organizers said those who had registered for the marathon and half marathon will receive an email with more information. Though this year's event was canceled, they look forward to next year.

"While we are prevented from holding the event in 2020, we thank our participants for their commitment and look forward to providing them with an exceptional race experience in the future."

On Monday, Tennessee recorded its highest ever single-day increase in new COVID-19 cases with nearly 8,000. Hospitalizations are also at an all-time high with 1,810 patients currently being treated. Over the weekend, the country also surpassed the 11 million mark for COVID-19 cases.

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