CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Rachel Kelley had been lacing up for the 2020 Boston Marathon for more than a year.

She's no stranger to long-distance running, having competed in multiple ultramarathons and fewer marathons. However, she had her sights set on Boston for the first time.

"I grew up in Boston. I had always wanted to run it, and I thought that this year would be a great time to run because it would be a month right before my 40th birthday," she says.

However, her dream hit a wall after the event was canceled. Officials believe it's impossible to keep participants safe from the coronavirus.

"I mean it was bittersweet. It was not a surprise because of how things are going," Kelley adds.

Competitors can still run virtually in September. Kelley plans to participate.

She still qualifies for the 2021 Boston Marathon, and is hoping it's still on course to happen.