Jewish marathon runners are racing to complain about the timing of the Chicago Marathon, which is set for the day after Yom Kippur.
The runners have called and sent e-mails to the 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 reportedly was asked to provide outreach to Jewish runners who could be affected by the fast. The federation has not criticized the date of the race.
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