Updates on the Poetry Marathon 2020

The Poetry Marathon will continue as planned on June 27th, 2020.

We will open to enrollment on the 8th of June and close on the 23rd. The Marathon will start at 9 AM ET, as will the first half-marathon, the second half-marathon will start at 9 PM ET.

We know this is a difficult time for everyone, and we know not everyone will be able to write poetry under this circumstances but we also know a lot of people really want to.

We are not sure if there will be an anthology this year. Even with an editor it puts a lot of work on us, and we are not sure how much we will be up to. Having two young children, a business we both run, and uncertain childcare has us in a difficult situation.

Because of this, we will not be able to participate in the full or the half marathon this year (barring a sudden and entirely unexpected change in the social isolation situation), which has broken both our hearts a little. We in no way want this, but we want to be there to support you.

We are again seeking volunteer leaders, especially for the second half of the marathon, so please reach out to us at poets@thepoetrymarathon.com, if you are up for that

We are also seeking prompts. Caitlin usually writes the majority of them, and she’d very much appreciate the help this year.

If we are a little slower at responding this year – we are sorry – feel encouraged to send us follow up emails. Know that we are trying our best, even if our best is lacking.

The best way to reach us is to send us an email at the above address or to comment on this. Please don’t send FB messages via our personal accounts or the official marathon page. They rarely reach us, and often after the fact.

You are all in our thoughts right now! As always feedback is very much appreciated.

7 thoughts on “Updates on the Poetry Marathon 2020

  1. Hi everyone,

    The Poetry Marathon has actually been “social distancing” since 2013, LOL!

    Really sad to miss you both, Caitlin & Jacob, this year. 🙁

    I do believe it will be a record turnout this year, I really do.

    It’s a tough time for everyone, so I know we won’t all be expecting any print anthology, but that’s OK. 🙂

    As for prompts, it goes without saying that in this surreal time, we have plenty of inspiration around us in words, pictures, video, songs … I would imagine images of heroic healthcare and essential services workers, empty streets and quiet cities, wildfire congregating on public squares, clear pollution-free skies, … the possibilities are just endless.

    Here’s to June 27th! 🙂

  2. I know, we were so ahead of our time, weren’t we?

    The idea of not writing the marathon this year is heartbreaking, but manageable. We hope at some point in the fall we’ll be able to do a half marathon, just for Jacob and myself.

    I hope we can manage a record turn out. We are certainly going to try our best.

    Thank you so much for your support!

  3. I suspect, as Sylvester said, that turnout will be large. Something about poetry comforts during chaos. So sorry to not have you two writing, but just the continuation of this wonderful group is something to be grateful for!

  4. Please know nothing the two of you do is ever ‘lacking’ and the only thing we will miss is the lack of your wonderful and clever poetic participation in this year’s contest. A half-marathon in the Fall, or when things ‘open up’ again sounds like a brilliant way to ensure your inclusion. I will try to think of some prompts myself and get back to you… I so appreciate both of you and this opportunity to spend a weekend getting lost in writing and reading the poetry of others!

    1. Cristy, thank you for this thoughtful comment! I feel like we are flying by the seat of our pants always, but that’s ok, I guess. This made me feel very happy on a grey day. I’d be happy to have some prompts from you. I’m really looking forward to reading everyone else’s work.

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