Chicagoans Struggle With Plans To Run NY Marathon

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Organizers of the New York City marathon have reached a controversial decision to go ahead with the race this Sunday.

Chicagoans due to run are making tough choices about whether to go ahead with their plans.

"I just think it's going to be a complete nightmare," said runner Kimberley Stedman of Chicago.

She says she agonized until she reluctantly came to the conclusion last night that the New York City Marathon just won't have the magic it's supposed to, given all the disruptions after Hurricane Sandy.

"I'm ready. But, I think it's going to be too difficult. The convention center, I don't think it's going to be very easy to get there to get our race numbers," she said.

"And getting to the start line, you know, 25,000 people were going to be taking the Staten Island ferry and no one can get there now."

Her friend and business partner, Joel Feinberg, still plans to go to New York and run.

Stedman is asking marathon organizers to defer her until next year so she can run her first NY race without all the logistical obstacles.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Regine Schlesinger Reports