(JTA) — Some Jewish marathoners are racing to complain about the timing of the Chicago Marathon, which is set for the day after Yom Kippur.
Some runners have complained to Bank of America Chicago, the marathon’s sponsor, saying that they will not be able to take in enough carbohydrate-laden food following the fast in time to prepare for the 26.2-mile run on Oct. 9, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.
The marathon is traditionally held each year on Columbus Day weekend, which does not conflict with other city events. Hotels and other supporting organizations have been planning for that date for several years, the newspaper reported.
The Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago was asked to help provide outreach to Jewish runners who could be affected by the fast and to out-of-town runners. Michael Kotzin, executive vice president of the federation, said marathon organizers "are clearly trying to be accommodating."
