Barcelona marathon postponed due to coronavirus

The 42nd edition of the Zurich Barcelona Marathon has been postponed until October 25 because of the coronavirus crisis.

The decision to postpone the event, which was to be held next Sunday, March 15, was made on Saturday morning at a meeting involving members of Barcelona City Council, the health authorities and various government departments.

"We have agreed to postpone the marathon in order to keep working on containing Covid-19, in accordance with the recommendations of health authorities and the World Health Organization regarding major events," said a representative of the city council.

17,500 runners took part in the 2019 Barcelona Marathon.

Other events postponed until later in the year include the Alimentaria food and drinks fair and Hostelco trade show.

Friday saw the first coronavirus-related death in Catalonia, an 87-year-old woman with a pre-existing condition.