Organizers for the 47th annual New York City Marathon announced late Tuesday that the race will take place as scheduled for Sunday, but that media events on Wednesday have been postponed after a terrorist attack on Tuesday in lower Manhattan took the lives of eight.
“New York Road Runners extends our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, and all who have been affected by the tragedy in Lower Manhattan,” the organization said in a statement. “We are monitoring the situation closely with our city, state, and federal agency partners, particularly the NYPD.
“For this weekend’s marathon, as with all of our events, the safety and security of our runners, staff, volunteers, and spectators is our top priority. Together with our agency partners, we have extensive safety and security measures in place, both visible and behind the scenes. We are constantly reviewing our plans with law enforcement and will consider any necessary modifications or enhancements,” the statement added.
The ceremonial Blue Line Painting and Faces of the Marathon media events have been postponed until further notice.
An estimated 50,000 runners participate in the race. It starts on Staten Island and continues through Brooklyn and Queens, then goes into Manhattan and heads north toward the Bronx before turning back down into Central Park.
In light of Tuesday’s terror attack in Manhattan, the New York Police Department have said they will enhance security throughout all five boroughs on Sunday.
On Tuesday afternoon, Sayfullo Saipov drove a rented truck into a bike lane for more than 20 blocks, killing eight people and wounding 11 others. He was shot and is expected to survive.
