D.C. Marathon canceled because of war, security concerns .c The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sunday's D.C. Marathon has been canceled because of the war in Iraq and security concerns. Race director John Stanley made the decision Wednesday night after his office received more than 1,200 calls and e-mails from worried runners. More than 6,800 runners from 50 states and 14 countries had registered for the race, which was revived last year after a 19-year absence. It is the only marathon run entirely within the city limits of Washington. Tony Bullock, a spokesman for Mayor Tony Williams, said the mayor's office is ``enormously disappointed'' and that it wasn't consulted before the decision was made. On Tuesday, the mayor said there were no plans to cancel the race. Bullock said no conventions or other large events in the city had been canceled. He said the mayor wants to speak with race promoters before he decides whether to support the race next year. Washington is also hosting the World Figure Skating Championships, starting with official practices on Friday. Competition begins Monday. City and skating officials have said the event will go on as scheduled. 03/20/03 10:08 EST Copyright 2003 The Associated Press. __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop! http://platinum.yahoo.com
