For the first time in 44 years, Bloomsday will not be run on the first Sunday in May.

Race director Jon Neill sent out a news release late Tuesday night announcing that the annual 12-kilometer race through Spokane will be postponed until Sept. 20 because of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, that has stopped sporting events around Washington.

“This year, when COVID-19 began to make its way into our consciousness, we at Bloomsday worked with our local health officials, clinging to the hope that we could keep our first Sunday in May date alive,” Neill said in the news release. “However, developments which have come at lightning speed have made it crystal clear that it will be impossible to hold Bloomsday as planned.”

Neill said organizers agreed to the Sept. 20 date in collaboration with the City of Spokane and the Spokane Regional Health District.

“It is our fervent hope that the world will have COVID-19 well in the rear-view mirror by then and that Bloomsday will be the same great event – just on a different Sunday,” Neill said.

For those who have already entered the race, the entry fee will carry over until September. Those who have entered the race but will be unable to participate in September will be extended an invitation to next spring’s race, Neill said.

Neill said the Marmot March and Jr. Bloomsday will also be postponed, though a make-up date has not yet been announced.

“Last-minute changes are never easy, especially for an event as large as Bloomsday,” Neill said. “We are grateful for your patience and understanding as our team works to make the process as painless as possible for everyone.”

Registration remains open for the Sept. 20 race at www.bloomsdayrun.org.