Haiti: Half-marathon pushed back a week to ensure security along route

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A city official in Haiti says that a half-marathon set for Sunday will be pushed back a week to ensure there is sufficient police security along the route through the Caribbean nation's capital.

The top three male runners and top two female runners will receive support from the humanitarian group founded by Hollywood actor Sean Penn to compete in the ING New York City Marathon on Nov. 3.

Penn's J/P Haitian Relief Organization will secure sponsors to cover airfare, visa fees and lodging for the runners. The group will also support the Haiti team as it trains with a Haitian league for the New York marathon.

Lionel Agenor of the Petionville district in the capital told The Associated Press on Saturday night about the plans to reschedule.