New York City

I think it was cancelled due to all of the HORRIBLE press it was getting. There are tens of thousands trapped in their homes....and NYC was going to send generators and assets to the marathon? Yeah...it's a very good thing that someone shut that down. That would be something which would soil the NYC Marathon for years to come.

I think there are pros and cons. The upside is it will be good for morale (the we are New Yorkers and we can do anything, no matter what mother nature does) and it brings a lot of money to the city (I heard $340 million on the news today) and raises a lot for charity ($24 million). The down side is of course the resources that could be devoted to the recovery and are instead devoted to the race. So - I guess I think it's ok to run it. I don't get the runners who are all bent out of shape that storm refugees have the hotel rooms. I do think they should just deal with it.

ETA: I heard the hotels are NOT kicking out the storm refugees - they are fighting with the marathoners.

I can't say that it is a bad idea from such little information I've heard in the news. These are the questions that would need to be answered to judge the wisdom of the decision:

- if there was no marathon, will residents receive power, gas, food quicker?
- how many first responders will be dedicated to the marathon? does this put the general population in harm's way?
- can the city accomodate the influx of runners and friends/family for the day?
- what is the impact on the city if the race was cancelled?
- what are the benefits to the city if the race continued?

ect....

I would be ok with it if it turned into a fundraiser and the sponsors payed for everything. But glad it was cancelled. It would have been crazy or stupid.

I think that it can be good and bad. They don't need to stop helping those who still need help but this could bring in more money for the city that right now is much needed. If they kick the people out that are there because they have no power I think that's wrong.

Just got cancelled. As a mom of 2 kids involved in the mess, I am glad. I know it would have brought much needed money into the city, but it just felt very wrong.

They canceled it. Thankfully! I disagree with letting it go on. I am super happy they canceled it.

I've heard some hotels are kicking out disaster victims, from their hotels, to make room for the marathon guests. This was on the radio so I don't know how true it is. If it is true then that would suck.

If I was a suffering victim of the hurricane and all of these marathon people came in with money, clothes, food and places to stay, I would be pissed.

I heard this morning tha. Many hotels are making people give up their rooms, because the runners had reservations....

I see both sides. The generators drive me crazy, it would be nice if they brought them in for people who are suffering without power and basic necessities. I also see the problem with hotels as I think people who have to be there shouldn't be kicked out. However, it is my understanding that over 85% of participants were already in NY before the storm, they claim they are not pulling first responders away from recovery efforts, but are hiring outside contractors, and many people running in the race are doing it to raise money for victims. What bothers me, is I think they are focusing their efforts on areas where the race is going to be run, instead of places that need it. If it were my decision, I would reschedule, or at the very least, what ever you bring in for the race, you should bring in for the citizens.

Here's an article about it. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57544381/outrage-grow...

I don't know what to think. I don't think I'd be happy about it, if I was trying to piece my like back together a week later. I think you can fins normalcy, unity, and strength...in ways that don't include taking resources for a foot race.

I am not for it, but I understand the motivation. Its a grasp for normalcy and a show of strength in the face of adversity. Another plus side, if you can call it that, is that it will show the state of affairs all along the course, and the course diversions, to the extent that there are any.

Best to you and yours,
F. B.

I have heard that on a good, normal day to have the marathon, it gridlocks the city. Currently they are having a serious problem with transportation and gas shortages. they really should postpone it. It kind of looks selfish to have a marathon before you bury the dead of natural disaster.