Americans may not be able to compete in a major European race this fall. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Could Hamburg Marathon ban American runners because of coronavirus spikes?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/23/20

As live sports return throughout Europe amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Americans may not be welcomed to at least one event because of virus spikes and outbreaks happening throughout the United States this summer.

As David Monti wrote for Race Results Weekly (h/t LetsRun.com), the Haspa Marathon Hamburg that was postponed from April to Sept. because of the uncontrolled virus outbreak is currently allowed to take place in the German city on Sunday, Sept. 13 under strict guidelines.

The race expects to welcome at least 10,000 runners who will be socially-distanced in starting groups separated by 10-minute intervals. Special face coverings will be presented to runners and are mandatory at start and finish areas. Showers won't be available to racers, and spectators aren't allowed.

On Tuesday, Action Network's Darren Rovell hinted Americans may also be banned from the event. Theoretically, this could include runners willing to quarantine:

Hamburg (Germany) Marathon will he first mass race in post-Covid world.

Taking place Sept. 13 with maximum of 14,000 runners, with 1,000 runners going off every 10 minutes to provide proper spacing.

Runners from higher risk Covid areas (United States?) will be banned. pic.twitter.com/O7MQsrdIod
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 23, 2020

Rovell's tweet followed a The New York Times story that claimed the European Union may reject American travelers when countries reopen borders on July 1.

Rising coronavirus cases in states such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona could prevent the NHL from choosing a Canadian city as one of its hub sites for the league's 24-team format to crown a 2019-20 Stanley Cup champion because of quarantine guidelines that would require players entering Canada to self-isolate for 14 days.

Technically, the Toronto Blue Jays are without a home ballpark on June 23, as MLB hasn't yet submitted a proposal to local officials for how the team could host opponents and games at Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays temporarily closed the club's Fla. spring training facilities last week after reporting at least one positive COVID-19 case.

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