Empire State Winter Games Torch Relay In Home Stretch

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — The torch relay for the Empire State Winter Games is in the home stretch.

This year's relay began last Sunday and is split into two segments, one coming east from Buffalo and one heading north from New York City.

Barring weather delays, runners on the two routes will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday in Malone, a symbolic gesture uniting the state. They'll then travel together to Lake Placid for the opening ceremony Thursday night. Olympic ski jumper Nick Farrell is the keynote speaker.

More than 2,300 athletes are expected to participate in more than 30 sports in the games, which end Sunday.