The Rotary Club of Mercer Island announced on Friday, March 6, that it would be canceling the half-marathon scheduled for March 22. The club hopes to reschedule the event for a later date.

The cancellation is in response to the COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, outbreak. The number of confirmed and suspected cases rose in Washington and the King County region over the last week. Mercer Island has only had two reported cases, and they are only suspected cases — one from the spouse of a thrift shop employee and one of an employee who worked in the Luther Burbank Building. (The situation is constantly developing; go online to www.MI-Reporter.com for up to date information.)

Wendy Weiker, race director and deputy mayor, said an email was sent out alerting people that following Public Health — Seattle and King County’s recommendation to avoid large crowds the event would be canceled.

“The cancellation of the run was a tough decision that rotary club leadership took seriously given our 47 year history hosting this beloved community event,” Weiker said. “Given the city of Mercer Island’s current state of emergency and the unprecedented public safety concerns for potential COVID-19 impacts to the health and safety of runners, community members, event volunteers and first responders, we felt it necessary to cancel the run at this time.”

Ryan Daly, interim parks director for Mercer Island, said earlier in the week that all large events were considering their options and that every hour gave new information to consider cancellation.

Weiker said the club was working with the city of Mercer Island to consider alternative dates for the event.

“We appreciate the 2,500 runners, supporters, sponsors and volunteers who come together on MI every year to kickoff the running circuit season and appreciate their understanding of this tough decision,” Weiker said.