The women elite runners leave the starting line of the annual TD Beach To Beacon 10K road race Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019 in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Credit: Joel Page | AP

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This year’s TD Beach to Beacon 10K road race in Cape Elizabeth has been canceled due to concerns about the possible spread of the coronavirus, race organizers said Wednesday.

“After significant review and in partnership with our medical partners we have made this very difficult decision,” David Backer, president of the race’s board of directors, said in a statement released Wednesday. “We know this will be disappointing for those of us who look forward to the race each year but the health and safety of our runners, volunteers, spectators, staff, and community remains paramount.”

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The $55 race entry fees for the August event will be automatically refunded to all registered runners in the coming weeks. All 2020 race registrants will have an opportunity for early entry into the 2021 race. Race organizers will release details about the early entry process when it is finalized.

The 2020 race beneficiary, JMG, will remain the beneficiary for the 23rd running which will be held, as is tradition, on the first Saturday in August of 2021.

“This has been a heartbreaking decision for all of us but is the right and only decision to be made at this time of uncertainty and unknowns,” said Joan Benoit Samuelson, the race’s founder and an Olympic gold medalist.

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