Local News

Providence Marathon canceled, in part due to closure of Washington Bridge

The Rhode Island governor said the bridge would need to be demolished and rebuilt earlier this month.

Glenn Osmundson

By Emily Spatz

1 minute to read

The 2024 Providence Marathon and Half Marathon has been canceled, in part due to the closure of the Washington Bridge, organizers announced Thursday. 

“Due to unforeseen challenges, including the closure of the Washington Bridge, we regret that we must cancel the 2024 Providence Marathon & Half Marathon,” organizers wrote in a Facebook post. “Your safety is our utmost concern, and we sincerely thank you for your patients, understanding, and support of this event.”

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced earlier this month the bridge would need to be demolished and rebuilt after officials found “critical failure” in some parts of the structure. It was shut down over safety concerns in December. 

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The race was slated for May 5. In previous years, the full marathon has started in downtown Providence, then following the Providence River and looping around Barrington before returning back to Providence. 

Organizers previously said the closure of the Washington Bridge had complicated plans for this year’s race route, which had not been released, WJAR reported early March.

Those who had already signed up for the race can request a refund, according to the website. Though donations to Make-A-Wish have already been donated, participants can request a refund of their charitable giving as well by emailing the organizers. 

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Participants can also transfer their registration to other events run by the same organizer. Those who don’t request a refund or transfer their registration will have their registration automatically deferred to the 2025 marathon, organizers said. 

Demolition of the bridge is supposed to be complete by March 2025, and a new bridge is expected to open by the end of 2026. 

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