Government shutdown could mean change to New York City Marathon staging area

NEW YORK The government shutdown could mean a change to the New York City Marathon's staging area.

That's because the site is the federally operated Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island.

Organizers of the Nov. 3 race say they're working with city, state and federal officials to find an alternate site if the shutdown continues. The starting location won't change.

They declined to say which site or sites they're considering for the staging area but said it would remain on Staten Island.

About 45,000 runners participate in the 26.2-mile marathon.

Fort Wadsworth is part of Gateway National Recreation Area controlled by the National Parks Service.

The marathon was canceled last year because of Superstorm Sandy. Additional security is planned for this year's event after twin bombings at the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured about 260.