A Maine marathon originally scheduled in October will not be held in person.

About 1,200 runners signed up for The Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, which was set for October 4th. Race director Bob Dunfey announced Tuesday it will be held virtually.

Dunfey told the Portland Press Herald he was optimistic about being ready by the fall, but that the pandemic will likely still pose too much of a risk to hold an in-person race.

Runners who registered can either have their fee refunded, donated to charity, or deferred for the 2021 marathon. They can also put that money toward participating in the virtual event, where runners can complete the course on their own by following markers.