A decision has been taken to postpone the cross-border marathon of friendship Grodno-Druskininkai that has been slated for 12 July 2020, BelTA learned from the sport and tourism department of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee.
The marathon has been a regular event since 2011. It is a unique event for Europe as it takes place on the territory of the two countries and participants cross the Belarusian-Lithuanian border without any stops.
“The success of the previous marathons was promoted by fruitful cooperation of the Sport and Tourism Ministry of Belarus, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of Lithuania, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Ministries of Internal Affairs of both countries. Due to the unfavorable epidemiological situation across the globe in the light of the coronavirus pandemic, the 10th edition of the international marathon of friendship Grodno-Druskininkai has been postponed to 11 July 2021 upon the mutual agreement,” the department said.
A total of 55 participants have so far registered for this year's marathon on its official website. These are citizens of Belarus, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia and France. Those who have made participation fees are offered several options to return them.
This is not the first event that has been canceled in the region. The Garadzenskaya Vandrouka competitions will not take place this year either. These were the races for 5km and 10 km through the historic center of Grodno scheduled for late May.
No changes have been made to the August calendar yet. Two sport events, The Grodno Night Ten athletic run and the Augustow Canal trail, are due in the last summer month. They traditionally attract a large number of participants.
