Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a turnaround has opted to cancel the New York Marathon that was scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3.
The under fire political figure was taking criticism for allowing the event to happen right after Hurricane Sandy had dealt a serious blow to the city.
The marathon that starts in Staten Island, a place that has seen much damage and the locals there were irate that the mayor would even consider the running of the event through their battered communities.
In a joint statement by Mayor Bloomberg and the New York Road Runners said.
"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."
According to the Daily News the statement about the race came around 5:20. President of the Staten Island Borough John Molinaro was upset about the prospect the marathon going through island.
"My God. What we have here is terrible, a disaster. If they want to race, let them race with themselves. This is no time for a parade. A marathon is a parade. Now is the time to put your shoulder to the wheel. If they want to prepare for something, let them prepare for the election, not a marathon," said Molinaro.
"This was the right call. So many New Yorkers are struggling to hang on right now. I've seen it first-hand in Staten Island, southern Brooklyn, lower Manhattan and the Rockaways. Our neighbors need and deserve every resource and all the personnel we have. Let's come together to take care of our people and get our entire city back on its feet."
These comments come from Bill de Blasio, Public Advocate but in contrast Bloomberg supporter Christine Quinn said that she would have gone on with the race.
On Staten Island at least 19 people have died from Hurricane Sandy.
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