2012 NYC Marathon CANCELED Due to Hurricane Sandy Aftermath

It's official: this year's NYC Marathon has been canceled.

As you've no doubt heard, this year's NYC Marathon has been canceled, it was announced yesterday by Mayor Bloomberg and NYRR CEO Mary Wittenberg. Here is an announcement on the NYC Marathon website about the cancelation of the race (the NYRR says it will have more to say in the coming days):

"2012 ING New York City Marathon Is Canceled
The City of New York and NYRR announce that the 2012 ING NYC Marathon has been canceled. While holding the race would not have required diverting resources from the recovery effort, it became clear that the apparent widespread perception to the contrary had become the source of controversy and division. Neither NYRR nor the City could allow a controversy over the marathon to result in a dangerous situation or to distract attention from all the critically important work that is being done to help New York City recover from the storm. We will have additional information in the days ahead, and we thank you for your dedication to the spirit of this race."

And here is a statement about how you can support those affected by Hurricane Sandy:

"In the wake of the cancelation of the 2012 ING New York City Marathon, we are humbled and gratified by the tremendous outpouring of support to help those communities and families most affected by Hurricane Sandy. Here’s how you can help: Donate to Hurricane Sandy Relief, administered by the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, or through NYRR’s fundraising platform, CrowdRise. From your mobile phone, text "redcross" to 90999 to donate $10 through your wireless carrier. Visit NYC Service to learn about and connect with a variety of ways to get involved in the cleanup and recovery. Check back for updates as we continue to receive information."

While it's hard to argue with the decision to cancel the NYC Marathon, it certainly would have been better if that decision had been made soon after the hurricane, such as Tuesday or Wednesday. Instead, as late as Friday morning Bloomberg was insisting the race would go on, only to reverse himself late that afternoon.

We hope that those who came to the City hoping to run in the NYC Marathon will enjoy their time in town nonetheless.