March 26, 2020
Dear runners,
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to grow here in our local area, we are taking every precaution to keep communities, our staff members, and our volunteers healthy. As such, and in line with guidance from national, state and local officials, we regret to inform you that we must cancel the 2020 Run for the Red Pocono Marathon and Half Marathon, which was scheduled for May 17.
All of the people supporting the races are Red Cross staff and volunteers. Moving forward, it’s important to allow these folks to continue focusing on the Red Cross’s lifesaving work. Even during the coronavirus outbreak, the Red Cross continues to respond daily to home fires and other disasters across our region.
The Red Cross is also working around the clock to protect our nation’s blood supply. Red Cross blood drives are essential to maintaining a readily available supply for hospital patients. Continuing to host blood drives is critical to public health preparedness and is the Red Cross’s responsibility during this time of uncertainty.
The Run for the Red is the largest fundraiser of the year for the American Red Cross in the Poconos. While this decision was a difficult one for many reasons, we are confident that all our runners will continue funding the Red Cross’s lifesaving work now and in the future.
After further discussion with American Red Cross leadership and our race committee, it was decided that deferrals to the 2021 Run for the Red would not be the best option for all involved and will not be offered. However, it is our plan to run our 15th marathon and half marathon on May 16, 2021.
I strongly encourage all registered runners to turn their 2020 registration into a tax-deductible donation to the American Red Cross. Their lifesaving work is especially critical during this uncertain time.
If you do not wish to make a donation at this time, you can request a refund of your registration.
Email your registration donation OR refund request to info@poconomarathon.org. Tell us if you want to donate or refund and include your first and last name in the email.
Refunds will go to your original payment card. The Active.com service fee and registration insurance premium cannot be refunded. Allow a minimum of four weeks before refunds begin to be processed.
Refund requests will be processed through May 31, 2020. If you do not email info@poconomarathon.org a donation or refund request by May 31, 2020 your registration will be converted into a donation to the American Red Cross. No refunds will be given after May 31, 2020.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work through this very uncertain time. Stay safe and stay healthy!
Zack Booth
Race Director
Run for the Red
