NYC Marathon organizers assess options

NEW YORK (AFP) –

This file photo shows runners making their way up 1st Avenue in Manhattan during the 2011 ING New York City Marathon, last November. N.Y. City Marathon organizers continued to plan for Sunday’s race as the metropolis coped with the chaotic aftermath of deadly superstorm Sandy.

New York City Marathon organizers continued to plan for Sunday’s race as the metropolis coped with the chaotic aftermath of deadly superstorm Sandy.

“The marathon has always been a special day for New Yorkers as a symbol of the vitality and resiliency of this city,” New York Road Runners president Mary Wittenberg said in a statement.

“NYRR continues to move ahead with its planning and preparation. We will keep all options open with regard to making any accommodations and adjustments necessary to race day and race weekend events.”

Subway trains and buses remained suspended for a third day on Tuesday and hundreds of thousands of homes in New York faced up to a week without electricity, the power company warned.

Officials expected John F. Kennedy International Airport to reopen on Wednesday, but marathon organizers still faced logistical challenges, including getting international runners into New York on time and getting almost 50,000 entrants to the starting line.

Many of the city services that usually support the event are also busy elsewhere.

“The city is rightfully focused on assessment, restoration and recovery,” Wittenberg said, adding that organizers would announce their plans as they evolve. “This is a very challenging time for the people and city of New York.”