RUNNING USA – ING New York City Marathon Canceled, Race to Recover Effort Announced

 

NEW YORK CITY –  On Friday, Nov. 2, the City of New York and New York Road Runners issued a joint statement to announce that the 2012 ING NYC Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 4, had been canceled in the wake of devastating Hurricane Sandy, which struck the city earlier in the week.

On Sunday morning, rather than running through the streets of New York, thousands of runners participated in volunteer efforts and helped clean up storm damage and debris. Fundraising efforts to assist people whose homes and businesses were damaged by the storm were also announced. 

 

"While holding the race would not require diverting resources from the recovery effort, it is clear that it has become the source of controversy and division," NYRR said in a press release.  "We cannot allow a controversy over an athletic event — even one as meaningful as this — to distract attention away from all the critically important work that is being done to help New York City recover from the storm. New York Road Runners will have additional information in the days ahead and we thank you for your dedication to the spirit of this race."

 

A joint statement was issued from New York City Mayor Bloomberg and NYRR President and CEO Mary Wittenberg:

 

"The Marathon has been an integral part of New York City's life for 40 years and is an event tens of thousands of New Yorkers participate in and millions more watch.  While holding the race would not require diverting resources from the recovery effort, it is clear that it has become the source of controversy and division. 

The marathon has always brought our city together and inspired us with stories of courage and determination.  We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, and so we have decided to cancel it. We cannot allow a controversy over an athletic event — even one as meaningful as this — to distract attention away from all the critically important work that is being done to recover from the storm and get our city back on track.  The New York Road Runners will have additional information in the days ahead for participants."

 

NYRR, in partnership with the Rudin Family and the ING Foundation, has established the "Race to Recover" Marathon Fund to aid New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Over $2.6 million has been raised, including a $1 million donation by NYRR. We are asking you to join us by making a $26.20 donation, or whatever you can afford, to help bring recovery and hope to those communities and families most affected.  

 

Proceeds will go to Hurricane Sandy Relief, administered by the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City. 

You can also donate to the relief effort through  NYRR's fundraising platform, CrowdRise, which includes the American Red Cross and other charities. From your mobile phone, text "redcross" to 90999 to donate $10 through your wireless carrier.   

 

"As a founding member of the marathon, we are incredibly proud to be able to partner with NYRR's club to support the Mayor's Fund disaster relief efforts for the city we love so much," said Jack Rudin. "New York has always been my home and this is the right thing to do."

 

"All of the NYRR members are New Yorkers either by locale or in spirit and we hope that they'll join in this effort to help New York get back on its feet," said George Hirsch, Chairman of the NYRR Board.

 

For the latest updates on the race cancellation and additional information on fundraising for Hurricane Sandy victims, visit: nyrr.org

Date: November 4, 2012

 

RUNNING USA