Thousands of frustrated marathon runners from around the world descended on New York’s Central Park on Sunday to take part in improvised races after the famed event fell victim to superstorm Sandy.
Many put on the race numbers they would have worn in the marathon, a huge earner for the city, which was called off for the first time in its 42-year history.
Under a crystal blue sky, more than 3 000 runners started the Run Anyway NYC Marathon. Similar numbers took part in other races intended to ease the sporting anger at the cancellation.
Many of the 47 000 competitors were angered at the last-minute decision to call off the race on Friday when most runners were already in New York.
The organisers have still not announced whether or when they will refund entry fees for the race, which generates an estimated $340m a year for the city.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg had wanted to carry on with the race, but gave in to protests over resources being devoted to the marathon while thousands still suffer from Sandy in New York.
Runners came from the four corners of the world to take part: Chileans, Croats, Canadians and Kazakhs. Many came from Europe.
News24
Leave a Reply