This year's Montreal marathon is cancelled, public health confirms

Quebecpublic health has confirmed that the Montreal marathon will be cancelled this year.

In a statement, public health said it would bedifficult to ensure the marathoncomplieswith all necessary health measures.

It saidthe organizers decided to cancel the event, which was set to take place Sept. 19 and 20.

The organizers have not responded to a request for comment.This year would have marked the 30thedition of the marathon.

The 2019 edition of the race was marred by the death of a participant, and plagued by criticism concerning logistical issues that led to a late start.

Patrick Neely was competing inthe 21.1-kilometre half-marathon when he collapsed about two kilometres from the finish line after going into cardiac arrest, authorities said.

The coroner's report outlineda series of lapsesthat may have contributed to Neely's death, including communication problems, poor organization and a shortageof volunteers.

Three days later, the race director and producerofthe marathon, DominiquePich, announced his resignation.

In January, the marathon lost one of its major sponsors when Lassonde, the company behind the Oasis juice brand,announced that it was pulling out of the event.

It cited"a significant number of shortcomings" in the organization and running of Montreal's races over the previous few years.

Lassondehad sponsored the race for 17 years.