Marathons in Providence canceled over bridge safety

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

By Colette Lauture

Organizers announced Thursday that the 2024 Providence Marathon and Half Marathon are canceled. This is partly because of the closure of the Washington Bridge. Dan McKee, Rhode Island Governor, said earlier this month the bridge would need to be demolished and rebuilt, after officials found “critical failure” in some of the structure’s parts. In December it was shut down over safety concerns.

In a Facebook post, organizers of the marathon wrote their regrets over the cancellation. “Your safety is our utmost concern, and we sincerely thank you for your patience, understanding, and support of this event,” they wrote.

According to WJAR, a local Providence news station, organizers said previously the closure of the Washington Bridge had complicated plans for this year’s race route. It had not been released. In past years, the full marathon has started in downtown Providence, followed the Providence River and looped around Barrington before returning back to Providence.

Those who already signed up for the race can request a refund, the marathon website says. Donations to Make-A-Wish were already donated, but participants can request a refund of their charitable contribution as well by emailing the organizers. Participants can also transfer their registration to other events run by the same organizer. Organizers said that those who don’t request a refund or transfer their registration will have it automatically deferred to the 2025 marathon.

The bridge’s demolition is supposed to be finished by March 2025, and a new bridge is expected to open by the end of 2026.