Hurricane's impact on New York marathon

GlobalPost

New York marathon organisers are meeting today to assess the impact of Hurricane Sandy on Sunday's big race.

While the event, which attracts 50,000 runners from around the world, will go ahead, changes to the course may be necessary, race officials told The New York Times said.

"We’re assessing today with the city what the damage was and the ability to recover as quickly as possible,” said Richard Finn, a spokesman for New York Road Runners.

With the subway remaining shut down, streets flooded and power out in many neighborhoods, race officials must work out how competitors will firstly get to the starting line. 

Another worry is that some of the course could be in areas where rescue workers will be clearing fallen trees and debris.

Of course the other problem for race organisers is many competitors are already experiencing difficulties even flying into New York, particularly as major airports remain closed.

CNN reported New York's JFK and LaGuardia airports and Newark in New Jersey are closed "until further notice".

ESPN said flights were being rescheduled to get all the elite athletes to New York in time.

Organisers said they hoped that most of the amateur international entrants would make it. The hours for number and bib collection is likely to be extended for those who arrive late on Saturday.

ESPN also reported the deadline to withdraw from the race and guarantee a spot in next year's event likely will be pushed back from tomorrow, Wednesday to Saturday. 

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