Thousands of runners will NOT be flooding the streets of Beantown in September ... as the 124th Boston Marathon has been officially scrapped in exchange for a virtual race.
The Boston Athletic Association made the call to go virtual on Thursday ... after Mayor Martin Walsh canceled the in-person race (which was rescheduled to Sept. 14) due to COVID-19.
The decision marks the FIRST time the race has ever been canceled. Thanks, coronavirus.
Here's how it's gonna work -- runners can get in their 26.2 miles between September 7-14 and still get their medal ... IF they provide proof they completed the race within 6 hours.
The BAA will still offer virtual Marathon Week perks like champions interviews and panel discussions ... but no in-person events will take place.
On top of that, all runners who signed up for the original April 20 race will be offered a full refund.
FYI -- Usually, more than 30,000 people participate in the Boston Marathon.
Unclear how many people will run "virtually" -- but props to everyone who gives it a shot!