Joint Statement from Mayor Bloomberg and NYRR President and CEO Mary Wittenberg:

“The Marathon has been an integral part of New York City’s life for 40 years and is an event tens of thousands of New Yorkers participate in and millions more watch. While holding the race would not require diverting resources from the recovery effort, it is clear that it has become the source of controversy and division. The marathon has always brought our city together and inspired us with stories of courage and determination. We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, and so we have decided to cancel it. We cannot allow a controversy over an athletic event — even one as meaningful as this — to distract attention away from all the critically important work that is being done to recover from the storm and get our city back on track. The New York Road Runners will have additional information in the days ahead for participants.”

I think the above statement is beautifully said. I just wish it was said sooner. That is the only real mistake made here. Telling people the friday before the race is not  a good idea. I have traveled for races in the past and I normally head to the city of the race, either Thursday night or Friday morning, before the race. I hope people didn’t already head up to the city. I hope everyone heard it was canceled in time.

I see both sides.

How can you tell 30,000 runners coming from every corner of the earth that their race is canceled. I understand why NYC didn’t want to cancel this race. NYC wanted to show that they are unstoppable, and 30,000 runners plus their family and friends all coming to the city would really help the economy of NY.  But unfortunately it would also bring a lot of chaos to a place that is already under stress and devastation. The subway is down. Hotels don’t have power. Restaurants are packed… and that is just a small part of it.

What do New Yorkers think?  I am not a New Yorker, and don’t want to speak as one. But the New York City Marathon is suppose to be a fun event not only for the runners, but also for the City of New York. And I’m pretty sure that the City of New York is working hard to get things under control after Sandy. They don’t need a bunch of runners, spectators, tourists causing more confusion.

On the other side of things…

I am a marathon runner and I know the significance that the NYC Marathon has. It is up there on the top of the list right under Boston for being one of the all time greatest Marathons. It is also a very hard one to get into, being a lottery. So I understand how disappointing this can be, for those that have trained hard, and are ready to run this race. But there will always be another race…