NY marathoners can finally get refund on cancelled race

New York City Marathon runners can finally receive a refund of their entry fee after this year's race was canceled in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Officials of the ING NYC Marathon told runners after the race was called off last month that they had a no-refund policy but had not made a final decision what to do because of the unusual circumstances.

Now, the race organizer, the New York Road Runners Club, told runners Thursday that they had three options to choose from — one of them being a refund.

Runners can also go for a guaranteed spot in the 2013, 2014 or 2015 marathon.  They would have to pay the entry fee again but at the 2012 rate.

The third choice is accepting a spot in March's NYC half-marathon.

Costs this year ranged from $216-$347 and the refund only applies to runners who had not withdrawn before Oct. 24..  There is an $11 processing fee.

Hurricane Sandy swept through the New York City area six days before the race was scheduled.  Officials of the NYRRC and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg dragged their feet on making a decision about canceling or postponing the race while area residents cleaned up after the devastating storm which left thousands homeless.

 Frustrated runners — some who travelled long distances for the 26-mile race — were angered after the marathon was finally called off less than 48 hours before the race was going to start.

An ad-hoc alternative race was held in Central Park and other areas near New York.