I have run the NY Marathon twice and it is by far my favorite. I am a runner and never stop training. However, I think the resources could be put to work in a much better way. New York City we know you are the best - Show it!
James Austin - 11 years ago
Since Hurricane Sandy is an "Act of God", the NY Road Runners Club should at least postpone the race until all people stuck in appartmens high above the five boroughs are rescued and taken to facities where they have a chance to live another day. Yes cashing in on their insurance policy will increase their premium,, but isn't this choice morally and ethically much preferablle than risking the lives of thousands of elderly people, people with high risk medical conditions? New Yorkers and their New Jersey neighbors need to put first things first. Anything else would reveal their true money grubbing characters. Now couple this connundrum with the unions refusal to allow non union workers in to help our fellow Americans out. I for one was thankful for the help from outsiders after Hurricane Katrina! An alternative is to cancel the race and use the runners to take food, water and medicine to the needy and deserving shut ins in their appartments!
Ms. Robertson - 11 years ago
Now, THIS is the New York I love... https://www.facebook.com/#!/Nyc2012MarathonOfRelief
Matt - 11 years ago
@Sal Duarte, You losing out on your training is of no comparison to what these people are going through. I am a runner, I have run 12 marathons, and I don't think that this marathon should go on. I am traveling to NYC to run this marathon because it is happening but I would gladly do it in 2 weeks, 2 months, or Christmas day. Being a marathoner you should know what the "sport" is all about, being a part of something bigger than yourself and experiencing it with tens of thousands of people. There is a spiritual side to it and if you haven't found that yet, then I would spend your time looking for that before you run another one. This is much bigger than YOUR training, we live in the United States, lets stay United!
Morris Herstein - 11 years ago
This RR organization and The Mayor Bloomberg are disrespectful of those persons whom are suffering. They are focused on the economics and not the well being of the human suffering.
On Staten island they would not allow a women to use a portable toilet that was set up for the marathon, how selfish. In addition a hotel on staten island is forcing an elderly women to leave her room because a runner has a reservation.
The NYC has set up huge generators adjacent to central park for the runners when others have no heat, power or food.
The lack of compassion by the RR Organization and mayor Bloomberg is obvious.
Cathy Ann - 11 years ago
New York Road Runners, who is a private company who holds the event, has already donated $1million to recovery efforts. Marathon sponsors another $1.5 already. They are encouraging runners to donate at least $26.2 -- most will donate more. They are also encouraging people to volunteer before and after the race.
lauren - 11 years ago
@Sal - I am a runner, I've run 3 marathons and understand what it takes to train. I'm also a NY'er and I have friends and family that have no homes, no water and no electricity...still. Yet, NY will be setting up water stops all along the marathon route. They'll also need emergency personnel on hand whose services could undoubtably be better used somewhere else! The streets will be closed off for runners and spectators - how about we clear the roads instead for tankers full of gas, clothes, food. How about all the displaced NY'ers that are living in hotel rooms right now that need to leave because runners reserved those rooms, how about a little compassion for those people who have lost much! What about the generators they're using - surely we could be allocating them to all the people without power. We are still in search and rescue mode - this is so disrespectful and unnecessary. A runner's goals and pride and feelings of self accomplishment SHOULD not be a priority right now.
mandy - 11 years ago
No question that this is a really difficult decision and some will be unhappy no matter what. Obviously there is terrible suffering of many across the region whose lives have been changed forever. But I actually support the decision to keep the marathon on this Sunday. It is not because the runners would miss their race (I'm guessing if you asked them, most runners would gladly sacrifice their training for those who are suffering) but think of the money that the race brings into NYC. That could make the difference for some small businesses who might make enough to stay afloat and keep providing a paycheck to their workers. And already they are figuring out ways with donations/sponsors to direct funds raised from the marathon directly into relief efforts. And then there is the resilience factor, as someone else stated. I think it shows that in NYC we will keep forging ahead. I am willing to trust our leadership, which has gotten us through tough times before.
Tina - 11 years ago
I will fly to NYC to run in the marathon, but I will look up red cross volunteer opportunities for Mon and Tues after the race. The marathon is a business and the runners are customers. Nobody is telling gas stations not to sell gas or consumers not to go back to work and buy fuel. Businesses are resuming where it is possible. I do think that the race start should be moved away from Staten Island and there should be clear ways for runners to donate money and volunteer their time to the relief effort and that it should be prominent and obvious at the Expo.
Ginny - 11 years ago
I really think that greed is pushing this marathon forward. There seems to be a total disregard for the poor victims of Hurricane Sandy. The mayor of NYC sees an opportunity to bring money into the city, and he is diverting personnel, like policemen, and resources, like the huge generators in Cental Park, to serve runners who could be told to simply wait until next year when things will be much improved. The runners have been told they will lose their registration fee, so the city can still make some money from this. My son is scheduled to run in this race, and he has to fly into NYC, and I am very concerned that he will be faced with a nightmare in transportation woes that will make the challenge of the 26 mile race pale in comparisonl.
dani the bk chick - 11 years ago
I see the rationale behind the marathon going on, but am annoyed that the knicks v nets game has been cancelled. Why? the stadium is ok. I will Not Even go into The city and i work there. I did not vote. Mayor Bloomberg is interested in saving face while NYC ppl are digging in trash cans.
Sorry for the grammar typos. My phone doesn't like typing quickly.
Pamela Simmons - 11 years ago
I used to be a runner and I understand the dedication, time, and effort, but with a little extra time and planning the marathon could serve a dual purpose. It could be a planned benefit to help those affected by the hurricane and one of the greatest marathons of all time! Maybe we'd have nice weather too!
Ms. Robertson - 11 years ago
This article doesn't really get into the true devastation NYC is dealing with, and how insulting this is to some New Yorkers. The race will start in Staten Island, where only days ago people were killed, homes floated away, hope was lost, and people have continued to feel ignored by their city. I get that runners trained for this event, but that is nothing in comparison to what many New Yorkers are dealing with right now, tragedy that no one can train for. At least the runners have their homes and their lives, can't say that about some in NYC.
na - 11 years ago
common people whats with your minds. it would be like jogging around manhattan after 911.
If theres jogger so dedicated to forget what matters then they should jog there way to another state and never return.
george - 11 years ago
i agree it shud be cxld!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
put all the effort towards the people who need it!!!!!!!!
lame to the game if the marathon goes on!!!!!!!!!
Sal Duarte - 11 years ago
People who vote yes obviously arent runners. This a major marathon and the training that goes into this cant be "postponed," and their travel cant either. Idiots
Al - 11 years ago
Why not have runners pick up some food and water and run it up high rise buildings where the elderly and children have no elevator service. Bet they would appreciate it!!
Bloomberg is an idiot.! As for sponsors, will sell my ING invesments and never by a Nissan!
Leah - 11 years ago
Article and poll are very deceptive. I Voted YES it should be POSTPONED but the lead up to the results asks if it is a good idea to have to have the race right now . . .Please change the wording. A YES vote is for POSTPONING, not SUPPORTING the idea of a race in the middle of a disaster.
Ms. Ball's Creative Writing Class JAFHS - 11 years ago
As a class we think the resources could be put to better use. For example, generators to help power homes, police in full force to be used properly in the help effort and all other resources being completely focused on helping the people with any and all needs.
Be respectful of the huge loss that millions are experiencing and help the relief effort. Reschedule the marathon when New York City is back in it's glory.
Ms. Ball's Creative Writing
John A. Flannery High School
Orange County New York
(50 miles North of NYC!)
I have run the NY Marathon twice and it is by far my favorite. I am a runner and never stop training. However, I think the resources could be put to work in a much better way. New York City we know you are the best - Show it!
Since Hurricane Sandy is an "Act of God", the NY Road Runners Club should at least postpone the race until all people stuck in appartmens high above the five boroughs are rescued and taken to facities where they have a chance to live another day. Yes cashing in on their insurance policy will increase their premium,, but isn't this choice morally and ethically much preferablle than risking the lives of thousands of elderly people, people with high risk medical conditions? New Yorkers and their New Jersey neighbors need to put first things first. Anything else would reveal their true money grubbing characters. Now couple this connundrum with the unions refusal to allow non union workers in to help our fellow Americans out. I for one was thankful for the help from outsiders after Hurricane Katrina! An alternative is to cancel the race and use the runners to take food, water and medicine to the needy and deserving shut ins in their appartments!
Now, THIS is the New York I love... https://www.facebook.com/#!/Nyc2012MarathonOfRelief
@Sal Duarte, You losing out on your training is of no comparison to what these people are going through. I am a runner, I have run 12 marathons, and I don't think that this marathon should go on. I am traveling to NYC to run this marathon because it is happening but I would gladly do it in 2 weeks, 2 months, or Christmas day. Being a marathoner you should know what the "sport" is all about, being a part of something bigger than yourself and experiencing it with tens of thousands of people. There is a spiritual side to it and if you haven't found that yet, then I would spend your time looking for that before you run another one. This is much bigger than YOUR training, we live in the United States, lets stay United!
This RR organization and The Mayor Bloomberg are disrespectful of those persons whom are suffering. They are focused on the economics and not the well being of the human suffering.
On Staten island they would not allow a women to use a portable toilet that was set up for the marathon, how selfish. In addition a hotel on staten island is forcing an elderly women to leave her room because a runner has a reservation.
The NYC has set up huge generators adjacent to central park for the runners when others have no heat, power or food.
The lack of compassion by the RR Organization and mayor Bloomberg is obvious.
New York Road Runners, who is a private company who holds the event, has already donated $1million to recovery efforts. Marathon sponsors another $1.5 already. They are encouraging runners to donate at least $26.2 -- most will donate more. They are also encouraging people to volunteer before and after the race.
@Sal - I am a runner, I've run 3 marathons and understand what it takes to train. I'm also a NY'er and I have friends and family that have no homes, no water and no electricity...still. Yet, NY will be setting up water stops all along the marathon route. They'll also need emergency personnel on hand whose services could undoubtably be better used somewhere else! The streets will be closed off for runners and spectators - how about we clear the roads instead for tankers full of gas, clothes, food. How about all the displaced NY'ers that are living in hotel rooms right now that need to leave because runners reserved those rooms, how about a little compassion for those people who have lost much! What about the generators they're using - surely we could be allocating them to all the people without power. We are still in search and rescue mode - this is so disrespectful and unnecessary. A runner's goals and pride and feelings of self accomplishment SHOULD not be a priority right now.
No question that this is a really difficult decision and some will be unhappy no matter what. Obviously there is terrible suffering of many across the region whose lives have been changed forever. But I actually support the decision to keep the marathon on this Sunday. It is not because the runners would miss their race (I'm guessing if you asked them, most runners would gladly sacrifice their training for those who are suffering) but think of the money that the race brings into NYC. That could make the difference for some small businesses who might make enough to stay afloat and keep providing a paycheck to their workers. And already they are figuring out ways with donations/sponsors to direct funds raised from the marathon directly into relief efforts. And then there is the resilience factor, as someone else stated. I think it shows that in NYC we will keep forging ahead. I am willing to trust our leadership, which has gotten us through tough times before.
I will fly to NYC to run in the marathon, but I will look up red cross volunteer opportunities for Mon and Tues after the race. The marathon is a business and the runners are customers. Nobody is telling gas stations not to sell gas or consumers not to go back to work and buy fuel. Businesses are resuming where it is possible. I do think that the race start should be moved away from Staten Island and there should be clear ways for runners to donate money and volunteer their time to the relief effort and that it should be prominent and obvious at the Expo.
I really think that greed is pushing this marathon forward. There seems to be a total disregard for the poor victims of Hurricane Sandy. The mayor of NYC sees an opportunity to bring money into the city, and he is diverting personnel, like policemen, and resources, like the huge generators in Cental Park, to serve runners who could be told to simply wait until next year when things will be much improved. The runners have been told they will lose their registration fee, so the city can still make some money from this. My son is scheduled to run in this race, and he has to fly into NYC, and I am very concerned that he will be faced with a nightmare in transportation woes that will make the challenge of the 26 mile race pale in comparisonl.
I see the rationale behind the marathon going on, but am annoyed that the knicks v nets game has been cancelled. Why? the stadium is ok. I will Not Even go into The city and i work there. I did not vote. Mayor Bloomberg is interested in saving face while NYC ppl are digging in trash cans.
Sorry for the grammar typos. My phone doesn't like typing quickly.
I used to be a runner and I understand the dedication, time, and effort, but with a little extra time and planning the marathon could serve a dual purpose. It could be a planned benefit to help those affected by the hurricane and one of the greatest marathons of all time! Maybe we'd have nice weather too!
This article doesn't really get into the true devastation NYC is dealing with, and how insulting this is to some New Yorkers. The race will start in Staten Island, where only days ago people were killed, homes floated away, hope was lost, and people have continued to feel ignored by their city. I get that runners trained for this event, but that is nothing in comparison to what many New Yorkers are dealing with right now, tragedy that no one can train for. At least the runners have their homes and their lives, can't say that about some in NYC.
common people whats with your minds. it would be like jogging around manhattan after 911.
If theres jogger so dedicated to forget what matters then they should jog there way to another state and never return.
i agree it shud be cxld!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
put all the effort towards the people who need it!!!!!!!!
lame to the game if the marathon goes on!!!!!!!!!
People who vote yes obviously arent runners. This a major marathon and the training that goes into this cant be "postponed," and their travel cant either. Idiots
Why not have runners pick up some food and water and run it up high rise buildings where the elderly and children have no elevator service. Bet they would appreciate it!!
Bloomberg is an idiot.! As for sponsors, will sell my ING invesments and never by a Nissan!
Article and poll are very deceptive. I Voted YES it should be POSTPONED but the lead up to the results asks if it is a good idea to have to have the race right now . . .Please change the wording. A YES vote is for POSTPONING, not SUPPORTING the idea of a race in the middle of a disaster.
As a class we think the resources could be put to better use. For example, generators to help power homes, police in full force to be used properly in the help effort and all other resources being completely focused on helping the people with any and all needs.
Be respectful of the huge loss that millions are experiencing and help the relief effort. Reschedule the marathon when New York City is back in it's glory.
Ms. Ball's Creative Writing
John A. Flannery High School
Orange County New York
(50 miles North of NYC!)