The cancellation of the New York City Marathon less than 48 hours before its scheduled start left about 47,000 runners ready for a race with no race to run.
In stepped the Philadelphia Marathon Friday night.
Though the Philly Marathon -- scheduled for Nov. 18 (two weeks after the ING New York City Marathon was supposed to be held) -- sold out months ago, organizers say there is still an opportunity for those turned away in New York to run 26.2 miles.
“We currently are directing anyone interested in taking part in the Philadelphia Marathon to our charity spots, which are still available,” Philadelphia Marathon Executive Director Melanie Johnson said in a press release. “The charity openings offer runners a great way to still get in the race, while giving back to the community. Philadelphia Marathon organizers work with a number of charities at the beginning of each year. We anticipate that the charity bibs may sell out quickly, as runners who are training for the New York City Marathon look for an alternate race.”
The charities still looking for entrants have fund-raising requirements that normally are higher than the regular entrance fee for the marathon. Click here for a full list of charity partners -- including Run to Remember, Back on My Feet and Gift of Life Family House -- with spots remaining.
Philly is often seen as a good race to run for folks that didn’t get into the New York City Marathon anyway, now it really will serve that purpose.
