Marathoners hit NYC streets

NEW YORK – Their race was called off, but marathoners were still on the move in New York on Sunday.

Hundreds of runners wearing marathon shirts and backpacks full of supplies took the ferry to hard-hit Staten Island and ran to stricken neighborhoods to help. Thousands of others poured into Central Park to put in 26.2 miles after the last-minute cancellation of the world’s largest marathon because of Superstorm Sandy.

“A lot of people just wanted to finish what they started,” said Lance Svendsen, who organized an alternative marathon called Run Anyway. By 8:45 a.m., his group had sent off five waves of runners from the marathon’s official finish line, which had not yet been taken down. “It is amazing. My guess is about 600 people have left so far.”

It was a throwback to the original New York City Marathon in 1970, which was run ragtag with 127 people and stayed completely within Central Park This time, some dropped off clothing and other supplies for storm victims.

This year’s runners all are guaranteed entry into next year’s race.

Many runners found a way to volunteer for storm victims.

Instead of running his first marathon, Akil Defour, of Brooklyn, climbed 20 flights of stairs in a building without power or heat in Far Rockaway, Queens, to deliver water, blankets and peanut butter sandwiches.

“I knew I wanted to volunteer after they canceled the marathon,” said Defour, 30, who put in five hours of work with his running team. “We decided it would be easier for us athletes to go up and down the buildings.”

On Staten Island, where the marathon course begins, the runners with backpacks emerged from the ferry for a quick briefing.

“The devastation and damage you are about to wander into,” said Staten Island resident Jonscott Turco, who paused, almost teary. “It’s pretty extraordinary. The only thing I can prepare you for is they’re still finding people, remains.”