The Mid-South Gravel Race on March 14 in Oklahoma will go ahead as scheduled, organizers announced today, despite growing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19, which has led many races and events to cancel their events.

Formerly called the Rand Run 100, the 160-km race is held on rural roads around Stillwater, Oklahoma, and was won in 2019 by Payson McElveen ahead of former World Tour road pros Ted King and Andrew Dillman. Nina Laughlin was the first woman to complete the race.

In a letter distributed to participants and media, organizers stated that they were monitoring the coronavirus Covid-19 situation and had decided to proceed with the event given the current situation in Oklahoma.

"The Centers for Disease Control classifies the United States as a 'limited regional transmission risk' and not a risk for widespread transmission," organizers wrote in their message. [The CDC and the Oklahoma Department of Health report that no cases have been confirmed or reported in Oklahoma or surrounding states. ...... We understand that everyone's situation is unique and we respect your decision to attend Mid-South or stay home."

The decision to proceed with the race as scheduled echoes ASO's decision to proceed this week with Paris-Nice, which starts on Sunday and ends after eight stages on the 15th. In Italy, several races have been postponed due to the coronavirus, including Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and Milan-San Remo. France has far fewer infected riders than Italy, so Paris-Nice will be held, but several WorldTour teams have announced their own withdrawal.