The pack rides down the straight April 13, 2019, during the Little 500 race at Bill Armstrong Stadium. The 2020 men’s and women’s Little 500 has been canceled to help combat the spread of COVID-19, according to an email from IU President Michael A. McRobbie. (SAM HOUSE)

The men’s and women’s Little 500 races were canceled Sunday due to the the threat of coronavirus, according to an email from race director Andrea Balzano. IU President Michael McRobbie announced classes will be online for the remainder of the semester in an email Sunday night.

The races were set to take place on April 24 and 25. This marks the first time the race has been canceled in its history.

“The decision was made out of an abundance of caution and care for the health and safety of everyone involved,” Balzano said in the email.

The possibility of holding the race during a different semester is still open, Balzano said.

Tickets can be refunded through the IU Athletics Ticket Office.