INDIANAPOLIS - Days before thousands take to the streets of Indianapolis for the Monumental Marathon, race organizers are seeing an unexpected spike in registrations.

Hundreds of would-be New York Marathon runners are turning to the Circle City after Hurricane Sandy restricted their travel plans to the East Coast.

Before the storm, 46,000 runners were registered to take part in this weekend's New York City Marathon. As of Thursday afternoon, 204 athletes have made the switch to Indianapolis.

"Those in the Midwest and in our area, especially central Indiana, are still looking for a marathon, and so we've seen a significant push," said Blake Boldon, executive director of the Monumental Marathon.

Local organizers expect to sell out Thursday night or sometime Friday with more than 10,000 athletes taking part. It will mark a 20-percent growth from last year.

"We are happy to help and, of course, our thoughts still remain with those impacted by the storm," Boldon said.

Saturday's race begins at 8 a.m. downtown.

More Information: Monumental Marathon