Surgical masks will be distributed to runners and volunteers, upon request, at next month's Tokyo Marathon as part of preventive safety measures against coronavirus ©Getty Images

Organisers of next month's Tokyo Marathon have revealed surgical masks will be distributed to runners and volunteers, upon request, as part of preventive safety measures against coronavirus.

According to a statement from organisers, four measures will be taken during the event due to be held on March 1.

Requested masks will be handed out at the packet pick-up and at venues in the finish area on race day.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers will also be available at the EXPO, packet pick-up, volunteer check-in, and at venues in the finish area.

Furthermore, anti-bacterial wet wipes will be distributed in the finish area and there will be operational revisions of the aid stations.

It is not clear, however, what revisions will be made.

"To our runners, volunteers and all other related parties, we request all to obtain the most up-to-date information from certified medical organisations and/or public authorities, and continue to adopt stringent hygiene practices," the statement read.

"Also, to runners residing outside of Japan, please access respective website, such as Japan National Tourism Organization, to obtain the latest information."

The Tokyo Marathon has been held every year since 2007 ©Getty Images
The Tokyo Marathon has been held every year since 2007 ©Getty Images

It continued: "Please pay careful attention to your own health, and the decision whether to participate in the event is a personal choice and one each individual must consider carefully. 

"We would like to request the cooperation from all participants to monitor the body temperature, and if you have fever or experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, we advise you to refrain from participating in the event.

"We will continue to provide further information through our Tokyo Marathon official website and social channels as we monitor the situation."

Organisers announced last week that runners living in China will be automatically entered into the 2021 Tokyo Marathon if they do not participate in the upcoming edition.

As reported by Gulf News, around 1,800 runners living in China are registered for this year’s event.

Since originating in Chinese city Wuhan, the coronavirus outbreak has caused the cancellation or postponement of numerous sporting events.

There are now more than 45,000 cases and more than 1,110 deaths, with the vast majority of these in China.

Twenty-eight countries and territories have had people infected, with the World Health Organization declaring a global emergency.