Providence Marathon canceled, Washington Bridge closure partly to blame

Sorry, runners. The Providence Marathon and Half Marathon have been canceled “due to unforeseen challenges, including the Washington Bridge closure,” organizers announced Thursday.

“The safety and security of participants is our priority, and while we were unable to secure an adequate route this year, we hope to see everyone in 2025,” a marathon spokesperson said in a statement.

Last year, the marathon drew nearly 6,000 runners, according to the marathon’s website.

In an email sent to runners, race organizers Ventures Endurance LLC offered an option to defer registration for the half-marathon and full marathon originally scheduled for May 5 to next year. Runners can also transfer their registration to another 2024 Ventures Endurance road race including, the Old Port Half and 5K on June 8 in Portland, Maine, Hampton Rockfest Half and 5K on Oct. 6 in New Hampshire, and the Maine Coast Marathon on May 4-5 in Wells, Maine (which has limited spots available). Registrants can also request a refund by April 18.

Venture Endurance is a subsidiary of Gannett. The Providence event was to be presented by the Providence Journal (which is owned by Gannett).

Thursday’s announcement comes two weeks after the state announced it would demolish and replace the westbound Washington Bridge — a process expected to last through 2026 and cost between $250 million to $300 million. A marathon spokesperson did not respond to inquiry on what specific challenges the bridge closure provided nor how many participants registered.

Also unclear: what economic impact the marathon’s cancellation will bring to the region. Alana O’Hare, spokesperson for the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, said she doesn’t anticipate too much of a loss.

“It’s mostly a local and regional thing — most people are probably just driving in for the day,” she said.

O’Hare declined to comment further on the economic impact, saying the tourism bureau has no involvement in planning the marathon. “Opportunities like this to come to the city are always great,” she said. “We’re disappointed for the runners and families.”

Providence officials, meanwhile, are looking ahead to 2025.

“While the city is disappointed that there will not be a full or half marathon this year, we look forward to working with organizers in future years to develop a route that responds to the new challenges presented by the Washington Bridge closure to ensure a safe race for runners, neighbors and businesses,” Josh Estrella, spokesperson for Mayor Brett Smiley, said in an emailed statement.