Should they run the NYC marathon?

[drewski711]

I've been all over the runner's websites looking at their opinions but would love to get the opinions of the tennis crowd. Along with being a tennis player, I'm also a runner and a medical director for an ultra running race. I just hope there are no major disasters duriing the race. I understand why Bloomberg wants to run the race but if it were me, I'd cancel the thing (which does pain me as a runner but I've entered events that have been canceled due to a number of valid reasons- you get over it quickly) From what I've been reading, the hospitals in NYC are still is some disarray. Your thoughts please.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

If you ask me, I think they should cancel the NY Knicks/Miami Heat game tonight, and use MSG's staff and resources to help the struggling area instead.

Finally, they were bringing backup generators, personnel, and various other resources to facilitate the marathon. That's just a bad idea. If they are bringing in resources, it should be to aid those in need, not run a marathon.

[chrischris]

There are some that think its appropriate that the free market should be allowed to decide this. Others think it flies in the face of good judgement and priorities in difficult times. I am strongly for the latter.

Sometimes games and fun need to take a backseat even if they are cashcows. 'Mature' economics.

[El Diablo]

Marathon canceled. Next question.

[drewski711]

Wow- I post my opinion on the TW forum and Bloomberg and the race organizers listen!

[chrischris]

Originally Posted by drewski711

Wow- I post my opinion on the TW forum and Bloomberg and the race organizers listen!

Good job man!

Making bucks isnt everything.

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Originally Posted by chrischris

Good job man!

Making bucks isnt everything.

Haha, if only the ATP and Grand Slams do that during weather events.

[chrischris]

The difference between a hurricane like Sandy/Frankenstorm and bad weather facilitates that for them ( The ATP +WTA).

[mikeler]

I personally think Chris influenced this decision. Good job buddy.

[chrischris]

Ok, thanks,i share it with you as it was actually you that set me off into not completely and always free market mode. Try it, it works like you say.

[r2473]

I think they should run it, but double the distance.

Instead of using the fastest time to determine the winner, the audience should vote.

Finally, the winner should donate all winnings to the hurricane Katrina fund or the Nixon re-election campaign.

[chrischris]

Originally Posted by r2473

I think they should run it, but double the distance.

Instead of using the fastest time to determine the winner, the audience should vote.

Finally, the winner should donate all winnings to the hurricane Katrina fund or the Nixon re-election campaign.

Or have 2 opposing teams /views passing the torch in a relay marathon to Ohio to see who has the best ground game.

[Fearsome Forehand]

In 1938 the US Open Final was delayed for 2? weeks because of a hurricane.

If they cancelled the marathon, it is about time. The city and the surrounding area will be a mess for weeks.

[chrischris]

Originally Posted by Fearsome Forehand

In 1938 the US Open Final was delayed for 2? weeks because of a hurricane.

If they cancelled the marathon, it is about time. The city and the surrounding area will be a mess for weeks.

I agree , things like these and reasons for them arent the kind to run away from.
I have seen floodings in China ,India and Bangladesh that make Sandy /Frankenstorm look less tragic though so bear in mind that things could have been a lot worse.

[Fearsome Forehand]

The '38 hurricane was quite bad because they didn't even know it was coming. It was believed the storm had blown out to see. Someone forgot to tell the hurricane.

We are so spoiled now by instant info and satellite imagery. Hard to imagine not having modern conveniences.

Budge won the Open that year (his GS year) and I recall him telling the tale that he and his doubles partner (Gene Macko?) went dancing every night to stay in shape since they couldn't practice. I imagine Forest Hills was trashed by the storm.

There is no quick recovery to these sorts of disasters. People/media were very quick to jump all over the leadership after Katrina. I doubt they will be so critical this time around. Gee, I wonder why.

I can't believe Bloomberg even considered allowing the marathon to go forward given the situation. He must be sort of an idiot because it would seem to be a complete no-brainer to call for an immediate cancellation or at least a re-schedule.

[chrischris]

Originally Posted by Fearsome Forehand

The '38 hurricane was quite bad because they didn't even know it was coming. It was believed the storm had blown out to see. Someone forgot to tell the hurricane.

We are so spoiled now by instant info and satellite imagery. Hard to imagine not having modern conveniences.

Budge won the Open that year (his GS year) and I recall him telling the tale that he and his doubles partner (Gene Macko?) went dancing every night to stay in shape since they couldn't practice. I imagine Forest Hills was trashed by the storm.

Yes, modern weather forecasting based on climate and science research tells us a lot and to be quite frank it doesnt look good in the mid and long term.Its very exact and has the best of technology know to man at its disposal just like space studies and satelitte systems it need to and does deliver . It is, in short , essential.

[mikeler]

Originally Posted by chrischris

Ok, thanks,i share it with you as it was actually you that set me off into not completely and always free market mode. Try it, it works like you say.

Oops, I meant Chris Christie in my previous post.

Originally Posted by r2473

I think they should run it, but double the distance.

Instead of using the fastest time to determine the winner, the audience should vote.

Finally, the winner should donate all winnings to the hurricane Katrina fund or the Nixon re-election campaign.

Or just have the runners carry gas cans. We can make this work.

[dennis10is]

This is yet another example of government intrusion.

Businesses stood to make millions of the Marathon and the government canceled it so that now they are forced to give away food and drinks and other resources for free to "entitled people".

Whatever happened to self-sufficiency? Those who "so called suffered" from Sandy should take care of themselves.

We should be worried about the Chinese fleet amassing of our shore, The Cuban marine invasion force. Iran's ICBM?

Cut taxes, reduce governmental entitlement agencies, build more prisons, triple the military?

[Fearsome Forehand]

Originally Posted by mikeler

Oops, I meant Chris Christie in my previous post.




Or just have the runners carry gas cans. We can make this work.

Or, put them on treadmills that drive generators.

Too big an event to have in an area that just suffered a significant natural disaster. Sort of like hosting the Olympics in New Orleans in 2005 or in San Francisco in 1906. Not a great idea.

[Bartelby]

There is help available for paranoia, although are you simply engaging in very unsubtle irony?

Originally Posted by dennis10is

This is yet another example of government intrusion.

Businesses stood to make millions of the Marathon and the government canceled it so that now they are forced to give away food and drinks and other resources for free to "entitled people".

Whatever happened to self-sufficiency? Those who "so called suffered" from Sandy should take care of themselves.

We should be worried about the Chinese fleet amassing of our shore, The Cuban marine invasion force. Iran's ICBM?

Cut taxes, reduce governmental entitlement agencies, build more prisons, triple the military?