Toga Bikes to Host Unofficial NY Marathon

Workers from Upper Nyack’s Toga Bike Shop have organized a last-minute fundraising run on Sunday at 8 a.m. at Rockland Lake State Park in response to the cancelation of this year’s New York Marathon.

There is no entry fee, but those looking to run are asked to bring food, clothing, supplies and/or money, which will all go to local residents affected by Superstorm Sandy. Toga Bikes owner Dave Nazaroff was going to participate in the event, which was canceled Friday by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Toga Facebook page says runners at to meet at the north parking lot at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, and they will be running the inner loop. People can run as few or as many times as they please.

Charlie Rey, who works at Toga and organized the race, said they started discussing the face Friday night and Saturday morning. Rey added as of about 1 p.m. Saturday, they’re expecting between 30-50 people, although he noted that could change as they try to get the word out more.

“t was short notice. Tomorrow’s supposed to be a nice day,” Rey said. “Evidently, the loop around Rockland Lake is open and free of wires and trees and anything like that. It won’t be running through all five boroughs, but if people are willing to come out and give some stuff back to the community, it’d be great.”