Marathon Cancelled After Outcry From New Yorkers
On Friday, November 2, the satisfaction from New York City residents was palpable as Mayor Michael Bloomberg cancelled the New York City ING Marathon after a sustained outcry from New Yorkers.
Many residents and elected officials had contended that the event, originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 4, would waste resources, such as electricity, that could be better used to help those devastated by the hurricane. The 26-mile run also began on Staten Island, where many are still searching for loved ones lost in the storm.
“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,” Bloomberg said. “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.”