Marathon Decision

Photo: NYC Marathon

In what is a controversial decision- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the New York City Marathon WILL GO ON! It is scheduled for this Sunday.

Photo: @marathoner

More than 100-thousand people applied for a coveted 47-thousand spots in the race. That number includes about 20-thousand international runners. That means up to 47-thousand runners and their family and friends could converge on the city- some parts are still under water and transportation and hotel accommodations are limited.

The Mayor said that the race is vital to small businesses and he expects most, if not all power will be restored by Sunday.  Also under consideration- these runners may have been planning and training for this race for a year. They have invested a large about of their time and money into this world class race.

Race organizers are looking at the need to alter the route but with 600-thousand people still without power and the city under a travel restriction (requiring a minimum 3 people per car)... are they making the wrong decision?

Race Organizers posted the following information:

We’re adjusting Marathon Day plans as a result of the storm’s impact on our operations and resources. At every turn, we will be working to ensure that our planning doesn’t affect any recovery efforts.

As a result, our sole focus is now on Marathon Sunday and therefore we have:

• Canceled Friday night’s Marathon Opening Ceremony and
  Saturday’s NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K
• Revised our cancellation policy
• Extended number pick-up hours at the expo
• And established ways for everyone to support the relief effort through charitable donations