NEW YORK – Today, the New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced the creation of the “2012 ING New York City Marathon Race to Recover Fund” and that NYRR is donating at least $1 million, or $26.20 for each of the more than 40,000 runners expected to participate. Marathon Race to Recover will support a number of charities involved in the relief efforts including the Mayor’s Fund and the American Red Cross.

“New York Road Runners thoughts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy,” said Mary Wittenberg, Chief Executive Officer of NYRR. “On Sunday, as runners cross through the five boroughs we want them to bring with them a sense of hope and resilience. The marathon is not just a race – it’s about helping NYC find its way down the road to recovery.”

Jack and Susan Rudin & the Rudin Family Foundations also announced a donation of $1.1 million and race title sponsor ING announced a $500,000 donation.

“As a founding member of the marathon, we are incredibly proud to be able to partner with NYRR’s club to support the Mayor‘s Fund disaster relief efforts for the city we love so much,” said Jack Rudin. “New York has always been my home and this is the right thing to do.”

Additionally, Paul Nicaj, owner of Pasha Events, one of the NYRR caterers, announced that he will be donating $26,200. Further partner donations will be announced in the coming days.

NYRR is encouraging all runners, families, friends and the organization’s 60,000 members to at least match the $26.20 per runner donation.

“All of the NYRR members are New Yorkers either by locale or in spirit and we hope that they’ll join in this effort to help New York get back on its feet,” said George Hirsch, Chairman of the NYRR Board.

To donate go to the Mayor’s Fund or to CrowdRise .