New York Road Runners, which organizes the ING New York City Marathon, said it is moving ahead with plans to hold the massive event Sunday despite damage caused to the city by Hurricane Sandy.
“NYRR continues to move ahead with its planning and preparation,” NYRR said in a brief statement on its website. “We will keep all options open with regard to making any accommodations and adjustments necessary to race day and race weekend events. We will provide an update and more detail as information becomes available.”
The storm and its after effects prompted Spartan Race Wednesday to postpone its Times Square Challenge, an invitational demonstration featuring hundreds of New York’s fittest competitors, previously set for Thursday, Nov. 1, at the famed Manhattan site.
“Spartans are resilient,” asserted Spartan Race Co-founder Joe Desena, “and we have a storied history with hurricanes and overcoming obstacles. Continuing in light of current circumstances, however, would be irresponsible. We are putting the safety of New York residents and the challenge participants first. Furthermore, to detract media attention from so many people in need would contradict the Spartan Code.
“We look forward to announcing a new date in the near future,” Desena continued. “In the meantime, as the Spartan Code avows, ‘Spartans Give Generously’ and with so many of our fellow Spartans affected and so many Spartans worldwide wanting to help we'll be directing donations to the Red Cross to ease the suffering and lend a Spartan hand.”
