New York marathon runners trade in their running shoes, help out in a big way

Newark (NJ) Star Ledger—November 7, 2012

Running is a sport often synonymous with endurance and a persevering spirit. With thousands in the New York City Area stranded and left without basic supplies, they have had to recently endure some of the most challenging circumstances due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. With this endurance and the fighting spirit of NY, runners from all over the world changed their mission from running a marathon to support the victims of Sandy.

In response to NY’s state of emergency, Mayor Bloomberg made a tough call to cancel the NYC Marathon.

Dr. Jordan Metzl of Hospital for Special Surgery looked at the cancellation of the marathon as a signal for opportunity, not as a hindrance. He started a Facebook group for runners to deliver relief supplies to Staten Island, an area of NY hit hardest by the hurricane. While he only expected 300 runners to volunteer, an overwhelming 1,300 showed up. Instead of the 26.2 mile route they would’ve run, they ran a 15 mile route around Staten Island. They delivered emergency kits and from one house to another and helped residents clean up the damage. Metzl says “It wasn't even a question to come here. This is the right thing to do. It's more gratifying than any run I have ever done.”

**********

This story originally appeared at nj.com.