New York cancels marathon after Hurricane Sandy wreaks havoc

New York: The New York City Marathon, an annual event for the last 40 years which was set for tomorrow, has been cancelled after the city administration was criticised for holding the race even as residents were recovering from the destruction caused by megastorm Sandy. Mayor Michael Bloomberg had initially insisted that the marathon would go ahead as it would send a signal that the city was back to normal after being hit by Sandy. [caption id=“attachment_513431” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Getty Images.[/caption] Bloomberg’s decision resulted in backlash with critics saying the administration should focus on efforts to bring the city back on its feet and help residents deal with the damage. Giving in to the pressure, Bloomberg said the marathon, which had become a “source of controversy and division” would not be held on Sunday. “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,” Bloomberg said in a statement. He said he did not want a “cloud to hang over the race or its participants” and so the decision was taken to cancel the marathon, which has always brought the city together and “inspired us with stories of courage and determination.” “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.” Four days after superstorm Sandy ravaged the US eastcoast, states from North Carolina to Connecticut were still reeling from the storm’s effects. The death toll from Sandy continued to rise, with New York recording 41 of the total 90 deaths. The storm is estimated to have caused economic damages of up to $50 billion and millions of residents in New York and New Jersey were still without power. The public transport system, which had been crippled in the wake of the storm, was partially beginning to resume services but city officials said it would still be a few days before the subways resume full operation. Gas supplies were running short in the region, leading to long lines by impatient residents at gas stations. Over 47,000 people, including 30,000 non-New Yorkers, were expected to take part in the 26.2-mile event. The race would have started in Staten Island, which is one of the hardest hit by Sandy. Runners would have traversed through New York’s five boroughs, with millions lining the roads to watch the race. PTI