Runners in Washington aren’t the only ones feeling the effects of the shutdown. The highly anticipated New York City Marathon may also be in jeopardy, according to reports.
The 26.2-mile race is scheduled for November 3, and begins at Staten Island’s Fort Wadsworth Park, which is federally maintained land. New York Road Runners told CNBC that if the shutdown continues through November 3, a backup plan will go into effect, and another cancellation is not predicted.
Last year, the New York City Marathon was canceled due to the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. In 2011, the marathon brought $340 million in revenue to the city.
Nearby, the Jersey Shore Half Marathon that was scheduled to take place October 6 was canceled, since its route was along the Sandy Hook portion of the Gateway National Recreation Area. An Ohio marathon was also postponed until November 3, since it takes place in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Here in Washington, major races such as the Woodrow Wilson Half Marathon and the Run! Geek! Run! 8K have been postponed, while certain legs of the Ragnar Relay had to be scrapped during the 200-mile race.
The Grindstone 100 trail race in West Virginia was also postponed at the last minute. “Currently, we are not able to contact any [United States Forest Service] personnel beyond our initial communication from them and have been told ‘we will contact you’ if and when the government shutdown ends,” wrote race director Clark Zealand in an e-mail to the 100-miler participants.
As for the Marine Corps Marathon and Army Ten-Miler, race organizers say they’re still planning for their race days later this month. Representatives of the Army Ten-Miler posted yesterday on the event’s Facebook page that as of now the course remains the same. The Marine Corps Marathon issued a statement on its website reasserting that its organizers are continuing to work with race partners and are still planning for the marathon weekend.
Were you training for a race that was postponed or canceled as a result of the government shutdown? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
