Hot weather causes organizers to shorten NYC Triathlon race

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Thousands of athletes were swimming, biking and hitting the pavement Sunday for the Panasonic New York City Triathlon.

But with the heat wave continuing to cause sweltering temperatures, the course will be shortened for many of the runners, from a 10K race to an 8K race. Elite runners still ran the 10K.

About 4,000 people were expected for the 16th annual event, which includes a 25-mile bike ride, a 1 mile swim in the Hudson River, and a 6.2 mile run in Central Park.

The race includes Pros, ParaTriathletes (physically challenged) and Age Group athletes, ranging in age from 18 to 78.

The race organizers say medical personnel are standing by as a precaution due to the excessive heat.

Because of the triathlon, drivers are advised to expect traffic delays along the West Side Highway and West 72nd Street, from Riverside Drive to Central Park.