YOUNGSTOWN — The fourth annual running of the Youngstown Marathon and and Half Marathon won’t happen on Oct. 25.

Organizers had been continuing their planning efforts through the COVID-19 pandemic, but said Wednesday “it is with heavy hearts that we must announce that the races will not continue in person.”

The Youngstown Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. The course takes runners through Mill Creek Park and then loops through downtown Youngstown and Youngstown State University.

Organizers said they were not able to obtain permission from the city to run the race through its jurisdiction.

“Municipalities must follow COVID-19 regulations and it is through no fault of the city of Youngstown itself that we cannot move forward,” the marathon board said in a statement.

After looking at other course options, including working around unexpected construction within Mill Creek Park due to a road washing out, it was decided by the board that the in-person event would have to be canceled.

Presenting sponsors are Chemical Bank/TCF, Mercy Health and Second Sole.

Participants will be contacted about their options, which include deferring their entry fees to 2021, receiving a full refund of their entry fee, or switching to a virtual event. Participants who want to continue their training who have already paid for their event can switch to the virtual and will receive a refund for the difference in registration price.

Additionally, those wanting to train for a virtual full or half marathon will have the option to register for those distances for a fee of $35. Links will be found online at www.youngstownmarathon.com to register for the virtual option. Virtual participants will receive a shirt and finisher medal.

Details for the Youngstown Marathon’s 5k event are still being discussed.