Fate of Jersey Shore Half Marathon to be Decided Today

Nearly 1,100 runners who signed up for the Jersey Shore Half Marathon & Lighthouse 5k this Sunday at Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area find out today whether the race will be cancelled because of the federal government shut down.

Race Director Isabel Meldrum says a decision will be made at Noon. She says not holding the historic event means small businesses in Monmouth County would lose about $25,000. Meldrum tells WOBM News she gets truck rentals, porta potties, ice and medals from local suppliers and has warned them about the possibility of the race being cancelled.

Not holding race would be disappointing Meldrum says because it has only been cancelled one time since 1974, when a sponsor pulled out of the 1994 event.

Runners will have the option of deferring their entry for the 2014 race.