Editor’s note: This story is part of The Daily Texan’s coverage of how coronavirus concerns are affecting UT-Austin. Read the rest of our coverage here.

Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the city of Austin has canceled the 43rd Statesman Cap10K, as announced in a statement.

Amid the concerns, Austin Mayor Steve Adler announced Saturday that the city has banned public and private gatherings of over 250 people, beginning 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 15. The ban will extend indefinitely, with May 1 as the earliest date that it can be lifted. Even if the ban is lifted, Austin will not allow for the race to be rescheduled in 2020.

"While we know that the cancellation of the 2020 Cap10K is disappointing to the more than 26,000 registered runners, we accept the City’s decision. We place the safety of our participants, sponsors, volunteers and staff first,” Jeff Simecek, Statesman Cap10K race director, said in the press release. 

In the statement, Simecek said race participants will be invited to pick up their race shirt, bib and finisher’s medal at a later date “after the critical coronavirus period has passed.”

In a later statement sent to participants, the Cap10k said registration fees are non-refundable, but that they are “working to provide a solution.”

The 44th Statesman Cap10K is scheduled for Sunday, April 11, 2021, and is expected to be held and completed.