We went down to the city today to the marathon expo. I traveled with my friends Fast Tony, Jason and a blast from the past friend Nick who now lives in the Lake George area. It was great hangin' with Nick, someone with whom I shared many, many racing miles in marathons and ultras back in the 1990s. We drove to Van Cortlandt Park -- oddly enough, my first trip to Riverdale this fall! -- and then took the subway no fewer than 200 blocks south from 242 St to Times Square (42 St). The subway ride was FREE as the city tries to get back up and running. We walked from Times Square to the Javits Center on the far west side of Manhattan.
If I had been beamed in from Mars and not known anything, I would have told you that midtown Manhattan seemed perfectly normal: Power was on, sidewalks were crowded, wind was whipping, cabbies were honking ... another day in the Big City. But alas, when we got to the Javits Center, you could tell all was not normal. The ground floor clearly had been flooded. The expo was bustling but not exactly crowded. The mood was upbeat, but mellow.
We got our numbers, bought some gels, scarfed down as many free samples as possible, and headed back for our long journey home -- long walk, long subway ride back to Vanny, and the drive north on the Saw Mill and Taconic. On the drive back, we listened to Mike Francesa of WFAN skewer the city for its decision not to cancel the race. Sports talk has been all abuzz over this decision -- mostly negative. So the debate rages on, as race plans continue. The home page of the New York Road Runners is billing this as "Race to Recover." Spin it however you want; this was and is a difficult decision.
4 comments:
Pete,
I like how you've presented arguments for both sides throughout this entire debate. There's no easy decision. I have been on the fence the whole time, but listening to Power 105 on my way to work swayed my position a bit. They gave their "donkey of the day" to the NYRR for deciding to have the NYC marathon this weekend and their main argument focused on the hotel situation, which hasn't been brought up on this blog. Many people were forced out their homes during the hurricane and have found shelter in hotels. These hotels now are faced with the dilemma to honor the reservations of those coming from out of town for the marathon or let those without a place to go stay. There are some people being kicked out of their rooms to honor marathon reservations without a home to go to. I believe those affected by the hurricane, the emergency responders, FEMA workers, etc. are the ones that NEED these rooms and not people coming into the city for the marathon. Probably too late in the game now, but it would be nice if local runners could sponsor those coming out town for the marathon while keeping those spots for the ones affected by the hurricane. Very tough decision that was made, just don't know if the city is ready.
I too am conflicted as we continue to see the widespread devastation throughout the Tri-State area. Mayor Bloomberg has stated that staging the Marathon will not take away any resources in the relief efforts. I have to believe that. Many people have maligned this decision, calling it misguided and selfish to run this event while people continue to struggle in the aftermath of Sandy. I believe that help is on the way but it is a massive undertaking, organizationally. It will require time and patience - both tested when facing adversity. A tanker finally can enter NY Harbor delivering crucial fuel. Food is being transported. Electricity is slowly being restored, yet some areas will be without power for some time. There is hope. The recovery has started, but it will be a long haul. Some suggest that the runners should pitch in and help with relief by going into Staten Island (for example) and lending a hand instead of running the race. I think that would add to an already chaotic environment (there are reports of widespread looting). So how do you help? Many people want to donate to the American Red Cross. I've always wondered how these donations are dispersed, but again - you have to believe the right thing is being done. Given that, I think the Marathon can be a catalyst to highlight the catastrophe and provide an opportunity for viewers to donate to the relief fund. NYRR is pledging $1 million and perhaps that total would be multiplied with this effort. If the NYC Marathon is postponed, no one should question why. But if the race is on Sunday, I'm running it with fervor for my hometown Mantoloking, NJ - just one of the towns decimated by Sandy's surge. Lastly, New Jersey casinos reopened today and the NY football Giants are playing a home game on Sunday (an archer's arrow from a devastated Moonachie, NJ). Interesting parallel?
Every year the marathon passes through low income neighborhoods where residents may not have power or heat and struggle to eat. But, who cares about that, right?
I don't want to come across as rude, but how can anyone honestly believe that no resources will be taken away from the recovery? Who do you think is working this event? Who do you think is responsible for the clean up? I have myself seen the sanitation department spend hours cleaning up the streets of NYC after the race- don't you think they have a few other things to clean up right now?
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