World marathon body cancels congress over coronavirus fears

The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) has taken the decision to cancel their 23^rd World Congress, scheduled to take place in Batumi, Georgia between 23 - 26 April 2020.

In a statement released to the media, the body explained the reason for their decision was based on the risk of the spread of the coronavirus.

"Due to the ongoing global spread of ‘COVID-19’ (or ‘Coronavirus’), on 28 of February the World Health Organisation (WHO) revised their assessment of the risks of further spread and impact of the infection from ‘high’ to ‘very high’.

Taking the advice of the WHO, the AIMS Board, in consultation with the Local Organisation Manager have decided, to protect the health of AIMS Members, speakers and visitors, that the right decision is to suspend the Congress as scheduled.

It has been proposed that the AIMS Organising Committee (AOC) of the Batumi World Congress should determine, as soon as possible, whether the Congress be cancelled completely, or postponed to a later date. The AIMS Board have decided that a formal decision on a rescheduled date and location will be taken in the next three months (March to May)," the statement concluded.

- Association of Internation Marathon and Distance Races