No spectators at marathons and race walks, Games at risk of more curbs
The Peninsula
TOKYO - World Athletics said on Tuesday that it was surprised by the "seemingly inconsistent" decision to ask spectators to stay away from the marathon and race walk at the Tokyo Olympics, outdoor events that are hugely popular in Japan.
Organisers had earlier asked the public not to gather on the streets for the events to reduce the risk of infection amid the COVID-19 pandemic, after a technical working group meeting with Hokkaido prefectural and Sapporo city authorities and police. The decision is a blow to fans in a country where the marathon has gained in popularity in recent years, after Naoko Takahashi and Mizuki Noguchi won gold in the women's event in 2000 and 2004 respectively.More Related News