The New York Road Runners on Thursday announced that it has created the “2012 ING New York City Marathon Race to Recover Fund” and that it is making a kick-off donation of $1 million to aid in relief efforts in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

The $1 million, which will be donated to the Mayor’s Fund, represents $26.20 for each of the more than 40,000 runners expected to participate in Sunday’s ING New York City Marathon. 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.

Jack and Susan Rudin and the Rudin Family Foundations also announced a donation of $1.1 million, and race title sponsor ING announced a $500,000 donation. The Rudin family became a sponsor of the New York City Marathon when it became a five-borough race in 1976, and for 36 years has presented winners of the race with the Samuel Rudin Trophy.

The Rudin Family owns, manages and leases the Forty One Madison tabletop building in New York City.

“Our hearts have been full of sympathy and support for those lost the last few days for those hurt or impacted by the storm,” said New York Road Runners CEO and President Mary Wittenberg. “For every moment that we spend time on adjusting logistics to deliver an amazing, safe, and sound race on Sunday, we spend time on considering how we can best actively support the relief effort now.”

In addition, NYRR is encouraging all runners, families, friends, and the organization’s 60,000 members to match, or better, their $26.20-per-runner donation.

“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,” Wittenberg said in a statement.