I am not one to really get into tough topics, politics, and more touchy subjects, but this NYC Marathon just touched me a little too much.
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As everyone knows, hurricane Sandy has destroyed states such as NY and NJ. Lives have been taken, homes destroyed, families in distress , no power, no food, and just complete sadness. This makes me very sad and my heart goes out to each and every person hurt by Sandy. I wish I could help every single person.
What am I getting to?
Well the marathon taking place in NYC on Sunday, yeah wasn’t too sure how I felt about it. I thought bad idea actually and I thought maybe they should postpone it a week. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect both sides here, I really do.
I just think in my big heart that maybe things would of been better if it was postponed. There are still people with no electricity, no food, no water,no home, and more.
My husband stated how he felt today while we were in the car, he is not happy and just feels it is wrong they are still having it. He heard lots of stuff on the radio today about it and how the runners would get water bottles throughout the race and yet there are people with no water. I guess the radio station he was listening to was pretty much hating on having it still too.
I know sometimes just going on with things to keep things normal and to maybe show some strength through such a horrible time is good, but I think this is just a time where it’s ok to not return to normalcy SO fast. There are tons of people still suffering and lives in hell, sometimes we just need to do what is best.
I just wanted to know how all of my readers felt in regards to this. I think it is a touchy subject but it is good to have freedom of speech and to get things off our chest.
As I said, I respect both sides here and I continue to send love and prayers to all those suffering <3
How do you feel about the NYC Marathon still going to be held on Sunday?
** I do wish everyone running a safe and good race and I ask that all of you run for the people who were all affected by the storm.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Postponing the race may have been the best option, but the logistics of closing 26.2 miles through the burroughs doesn’t make it possible. I can’t help but wonder about the safety of the course (I personally am lucky I can stay upright on dry land, so I wouldn’t make .2 miles in that murky mess). I think the fact the elites aren’t even making it, and some pro runners opted out make me wonder if it’s the best idea ever. I have heard though, that NYRR provides their own generators and powers and are ‘self sufficient’ in putting on their race. I respect that, but then part of me wonders if those generators aren’t spent better elsewhere. It’s a no win situation….
There has been a lot of interesting discussion going around. I’m a bit like you, I can see both sides. When it comes down to it, I think I would have had a lot more admiration for the race if it was postponed/cancelled and they donated their supplies and generators to those who are without right now.
I too see both sides but I think it best if it were post ponned, but I wish all the people running safety and luck!
I’m from NJ and have friends running in the race. Around here, we are all very excited that it will go on as normal. Yes, people don’t have running water, but I promise you no one is going thirsty, just unshowered. We are all taking care of each other. It gives people who don’t have power a chance to think about something else! Besides, the logistics of postponing the race are not something we should have to deal with when everything else is so tough! Some people come from far away and would not be able to change their plans. I respect your opinion, but most of us East coasters think it’s great!
It’s so great to hear this, Tamar!
I kind of feel the same as you, although my mum’s cousin is flying over from england to run it & he has already raised £2,330 for a charity that is very close to my family & that i ran my first marathon for.
As long as people are still getting help & the marathon isn’t getting in the way of recovery for the city then maybe it might bring in more money to help those without power etc. Maybe visitor might bring a few extra donations?
I live in a highly affected part of NYC and I’m deeply angered that the marathon is proceeding as planned. I’m infuriated that resources and attention are being taken from those in need. No disrespect to marathon runners, but they should be at the bottom of NYC’s totem pole right now.
I love your blog, btw. I live in an area that was affected by the hurricane, and I am in favor of continuing to have it. Many of my friends who live in NYC and right outside are without power still, and although I am so empathetic to that, i feel canceling the marathon – which is an annual tradition in NYC and brings a ton of money into the city – would be like saying Sandy won. New Yorkers, for those of you who don’t know are fierce. What you are seeing – the water and generators, etc are hyped up for the media attention. I assure you, NYC and the surrounding areas are doing EVERYTHING they can to make sure people are getting their power and water back on asap. The money this marathon will generate will help to rebuild – and im sure ING will be making an charitable contribution to the Red Cross as a result.
Thank you for your comment and I am glad people are working hard to get things back to normal out there! Yes, the media can really make things seem different and twist things!
I live in NY and work in NJ and it’s been such a crazy couple of days. I didn’t have power after the storm, and just recently got it back. So many of my friends still don’t have power and the temperatures are dropping this weekend. I honestly had no idea this marathon was even taking place, but in all honesty.. I don’t even see how it can happen with the current conditions. idk.. I understand why they wouldn’t want to postpone it (I’m thinking cause people have trained for it), but I agree with you that it would prob be the better thing to do.
My first thought was in regards to the police’s responsibilities. From what I’ve heard, there are still police helping keep homes secure from looting and pulling people from rubble (is this true?). I know what a demand big races take to keep everyone safe and on the right route. I would hate to think that pulling these men and women to patrol the race would do harm to someone/someone’s home in the process.
(Excuse any typos … I’m under heavy influence of cold medication right now. ha)
I am glad they ended up cancelling it in the end, but should of been cancelled right away!
Awwww hope you feel better! xo
I think your husband and I both must have been listening to Mike & Mike because I heard the same thing and it greatly swayed my opinion that they should postpone the marathon.
I understand both sides of the arguement but it just seems a bit too soon. Also, someone had talked about that they currently have three large generators to power the media tent at the finish line, seems that they could be better used somewhere else.
Being someone who lives in NJ and having my town devastated by this storm, it is hard to hear that “the show must go on” in regards to the race. I totally understand that planning and funds went into having this race but unfortunately unexpected things happen that put a dent in plans. There are so many without shelter, food, water and other things the rest of us take for granted (I’m fortunate enough to have power & no damage to my home). In my opinion it’s just too soon.
Thank you for mentioning this on your blog btw. It seems that a lot of people in the US are basically oblivious to what happened over on the East Coast. At least that seems to be my experience dealing with my customers from across the country this week. We all appreciate the attention that the relief efforts are getting!!
No problem! I am sorry to hear it was cancelled. I think they should of cancelled right away instead of doing it 2 days before, that was not right.
I see both sides. On one side, maybe it will bring people together, give them something to cheer for, but on the other hand, I totally think it is wrong to be spending resources on a race when people so close could use food/water/electricity. I read somewhere about how they are using huge generators to power the media tent(s) and that could be enough to power some insane amount of houses right now comparatively. Overall, I think they should postpone it.
Update FYI: They’ve actually now decided to cancel it again.
I just read on CNN that the race has been cancelled. I agree that it was the right thing to do. Although, like you I can see both sides.
Having trained for, and run 3 marathons, there is a ton of preparation and training that takes place. I feel like marathon training took over my life, so I can totally see why one would be disapointed. Peoples lives however, are whats most important in this situation. There will always be another race to run!
as a former race director myself, it’s such a lose lose situation. and so hard to make everyone happy. they have now canceled, which i think is best. Just wish everyone will understand and instead donate to help them rebuild!
i believe the decision to cancel it was the best idea.. they should’ve did it tuesday though…
I had mixed feelings. As a runner myself, I know the time and dedication involved in preparing for a big race. Some people overcome personal obstacles and beat the odds to run a marathon. I always anticipate a few inspirational stories about runners who choose this race as THE race of a lifetime. However…I don’t think I could personally run this race and feel fulfilled and accomplished knowing that there is a climate-controlled tent with food and beverages waiting for me at the finish line while a large portion of the city is struggling for normalcy. I think either way, whether the race went on or not, there would be happy people and angry people. Happy runners and business people banking on the crowds, but angry New Yorkers wishing they had the same luxuries that the runners were given. Cancelling the race is the better option, but I feel bad for my running friends who made it up in NYC…they’re really sad right now. =( But they have compassion, so they’ll get over it (and it’s not their first rodeo, so they’ll try again next year!). Maybe they’ll donate the race refreshments to the Red Cross….?
I’ve gone back and forth with my opinion on whether they should or shouldn’t go through with the marathon, as I’ve really been able to see both sides. I do think choosing to cancel was for the best, but I also can’t help but feel bad for those who were supposed to race, especially those who are already there. But of course, I do feel worse for those affected by Sandy; it really just breaks my heart.
its such a hard situation!! i feel that it’s pretty much a lose, lose however you look at it! my sister lives in the center of manhattan and still has no water, power, heat, or electric after 5 long days (and she’s one of the lucky ones!) it seems silly to try and have a race with everything going one, but for all those that have trained, planned, conditioned, and already flown in from far distances, it really stinks to have to cancelled. in the end, i think they did make the right decision though!