Bergen County investigating Paramus half marathon that went through flooding
County officials say they advised the organizer, Racefaster, to use an alternate route to avoid flooding.
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Bergen County is investigating Sunday’s half marathon in Paramus, where runners encountered high water along the route because of flooding.
Portions of the race went through Saddle River County Park, but the county confirmed it was not an organizer or sponsor of the event.
County officials say they advised the organizer, Racefaster, to use an alternate route to avoid flooding. Multiple race participants disregarded the new route and used the original route instead.
Some runners told News 12 they didn't know that there was an alternative route and couldn't believe that race still went on, despite heavy rain and flooding.
Before the event, the county issued Racefaster a permit allowing it to use areas of the park. Officials are investigating whether the organizer complied with the permit’s conditions, as well as whether race participants entered restricted areas.
Racefaster is now on probation with the Bergen County Park Department’s permitting office and is not allowed to hold races in county parks for at least one year.
News 12 reached out to Racefaster for comment but have not heard back as of Tuesday morning.
