DARIEN, IL — The Darien Dash was originally set for May and then delayed to August because of the pandemic. When the event’s permit went before the City Council last month, it sparked a debate and a divided 4-3 vote, with some concerned that the run would fuel the virus’ spread. This week, the mayor announced the run had been canceled. Despite the reported cancellation, information on the event remains online, allowing runners to still register.
While many races have been canceled, the Darien Dash was set to go forward Aug. 23. The mayor said last moth the Darien Chamber of Commerce, which was organizing the event, badly needed the money from the fundraiser because it had suffered a tough year.
But at Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Joseph Marchese announced the chamber had canceled the run.
“The chamber felt that considering the upswing in COVID-19 cases, it was in the best interest of all, including the participants, to cancel the event,” Marchese told the council.
The chamber is considering a virtual Darien Dash for later this year, possibly in September, he said.
April Padalik, the chamber’s executive director, couldn’t be reached for immediate comment.
As of Thursday, information about the Darien Dash remained on the chamber’s website. The chamber has not announced the cancellation on its Facebook page. The race is still being advertised on the RunSignup website, where runners can register.
This article originally appeared on the Darien Patch