New York City Marathon cancelled due to hurricane Sandy

New York City is doing it’s very best to get back to business as usual but despite everyone’s best efforts Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced today that that NYC marathon would be canceled this year because of the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. The mayor issued a statement today saying; “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. The marathon has always brought our city together and inspired us with stories of courage and determination. We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, and so we have decided to cancel it.”

The cancellation came as a surprise to many as just earlier today Bloomberg held a televised conference to insist that the marathon would take place, saying to viewers that “New York has to show we are here and we are going to recover,” insisting that the race would give “people something to cheer aboutin what has been a dismal week for a lot of people.”

The race was supposed to start Sunday on Staten Island and traverse all 5 boroughs but public pressure has made Mayor Bloomberg rethink his stance. “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.”

As many New Yorkers still struggle today with limited power and transportation, not to mention limited access to food and gas it seems like a wise decision on Mayor Bloomberg’s part to not tempt fate by stretching New York City resources any thinner than they already are. Tune in to NBC tonight for a special telethon that will raise funds for victims of Hurricane Sandy.