Liberia marathon postponed due to Ebola outbreak

The Liberia Marathon has been postponed from its original Aug. 31 date, according to local reports, due to the recent Ebola virus outbreak in the country and other west African nations.

The virus, which does not have a vaccine, has already killed about 670 people including doctors. Some communities are struggling to contain the spread of the virus because locals don’t trust treatment methods. Ebola is spread through contact with blood and bodily fluids.

“The rising number of confirmed Ebola related deaths and infections has reached unacceptable levels, and the risk to the marathon participants is too high,” said race director Eunice Dahn. “This postponement will allow time to deal completely with the crisis and eliminate any risk to participants of the marathon.

“The safety of runners and staff is our first priority. Everyone associated with the event can rest assured that this postponement will not detract from the impact and value of the event, but protect that value and all involved.”

The race will now be held in January of 2015. Organizers assure runners that the the race has only been postponed and not cancelled.