Dirty Kanza cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

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Dirty Kanza cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.

Organizers of Dirty Kanza announced Tuesday that they are canceling the event due to health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Lifetime had originally attempted to postpone the event from May to September, but after considering input from community leaders and reviewing the latest scientific data trends, they decided to cancel the event altogether and return in 2021.

"Our team has been working hard for weeks to determine if the event can be held in Emporia this fall. We have been in regular contact with local community and health leaders to determine the best path forward," said Lelan Daines, race director for the event at Lifetime.

"We had hoped that something could be done, even if it meant changing the capacity, but we now understand that the safest and most responsible thing for the athletes, volunteers, and community is to cancel the 2020 event."

Lifetime is offering its 4,000 registered athletes a choice of four options, including a free deferral to the 2021 or 2022 Games, a donation of their participation fees to the Lifetime Foundation, or a full refund. Participants are asked to make their choice by August 7, according to the press release. [In the press release, Emporia Mayor Danny Giefer said, "The decision to cancel an event is never an easy one. While we all regret that the event will not take place as planned, we look forward to 2021 and to continuing our long-term relationship of hosting the world's premier gravel cycling race here in Emporia."

Lifetime also reiterated its commitment to return in 2021 with a new event name to replace the current Dirty Kanza name, citing racial insensitivity toward the Cow Nation, an indigenous tribe based in Oklahoma and Kansas.

In June, Life Time announced that it was considering renaming the event after race founder Jim Cummins was fired by the organization over a social media post claiming that the shooting of Rashard Brooks by police in Atlanta was "justified"

The event's name was changed to "The Race for the Future

In a statement at the time, Lifetime said it had formed a "Diversity and Inclusion Council" and had been working throughout the year on name change options.

"Life Time's DK team is looking forward, both with reflection on the past and excitement for the future," read a press release regarding the return of the 2021 event.

"With a promised new name, a fresh look, and a continued focus on the growth of the sport, the 2021 event promises to be an unprecedented experience for athletes, volunteers, and community members. In addition to the rebrand that will roll out in the coming months, Lifetime is launching a diversity, equity, and inclusion coalition around the events industry.

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