Runners, already in New York, pack your backs…you are going back home without running the 2012 ING New York City Marathon according to the NYRR and Mayor Bloomberg’s office.
The race has been canceled after Bloomberg said two days ago that the race would go on as scheduled on November 4, 2012.
RUNNERS RESPOND TO CANCELATION ON TWITTER (READ)
Here is the Tweet from Bloomberg:
Marathon cancellation statement from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg & NYRR 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.”
The decision has been confirmed by NBC, ABC News, and ESPN.
The decision is a horrible one coming today. Two days ago it would have been the right decision. Instead runners from all over the world have been traveling to the city this weekend to run in the famed #NYCM.
Bad decision followed by another bad decision after preparations to hold the event and runners were already at the Expo checking in for the event.
The NYRR have a cancelation insurance policy and should be able to collect up to $427,000 according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell.
Bloomberg is no Mayor Giuliani when it comes to making the right calls during disasters.
Agree? Disagree? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
