The Issue: The cancellation of the NYC Marathon, and The Post’s story on its unused generators.
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We understand the marathoners were upset with the last-minute cancellation of the New York City Marathon, and had trained hard for it (“Callous Indifference,” Editorial, Nov. 6).
We know they waited all year to run. We know many traveled great distances to participate.
But the runners understood the situation and acted with grace. And those who went to Staten Island with backpacks filled with water and food to help that devastated area crossed the finish line of humanity, which is more rewarding than any race.
They are all winners.
Paul Kastner
Woodstock
Mayor Bloomberg, echoed by New York Road Runners Club CEO Mary Wittenberg, canceled the marathon because they said it had become controversial and divisive.
Had she an ounce of common sense, Wittenberg would have canceled the marathon days earlier. When the buck was passed to Bloomberg, he should have immediately done what Wittenberg would not.Donald Nawi
Scarsdale
You realize you are making an income-redistribution argument, right?
I’m for generators and supplies being used for people who are suffering, but the tone is wrong.
The Post writes about the generators in Central Park with a sense of entitlement and a knee-jerk assumption of the Road Runners’ ill will and ineptitude, overlooking the group’s kindness and fundamental good will.
I love The Post’s investigative journalism, but your marathon coverage has lost me by hiding mean-spiritedness behind sanctimony.
I’m one of your loyal readers and a runner. You are better than that.
Amy Whitaker
Manhattan
Despite the marathon not running, the presence of marathoners in the city this weekend was still marveled at and appreciated.
Training requires incredible commitment and support for all participants. Thanks for sharing your energy.
One shelter volunteer told me his friend was running in Central Park on Sunday to raise about $3,000 toward hurricane recovery efforts through help from the mayor’s office. She was one of so many who inspired in their own special ways this weekend.
Dawn Kojak
Manhattan
The cancellation of the marathon cannot be blamed on the media.
There was a collective sense of revulsion that while people were suddenly refugees in their own city with nothing but the clothes on their backs, volunteers would have been providing Gatorade to people indulging in what comes down to a pastime.
As for those who compare it to our can-do attitude after 9/11, there is no comparison to having people running through our streets as bodies were still being found.
Avi Geldwerth
Brooklyn
Thanks for doing the right thing with the marathon. Exposing the truth is what all news outlets should do.Ralph Gil
Virginia Beach
As a native New Yorker and 10-time marathoner who was entered in Sunday’s race, I was embarrassed by the insistence that running the marathon was appropriate, despite the huge loss of life and potential for still-undiscovered casualties.
The Bloomberg administration and marathon organizers disgraced themselves.
I will gladly run future marathons, but never in this city as long as selfish people like Wittenberg run the show.
Eric Dixon
Manhattan
A huge round of applause and heartfelt thanks to The Post for its recent reporting on the marathon mess.
I have always liked The Post, but my respect for this paper has skyrocketed.
This is what real reporting is all about: not being afraid to expose the truth. So many in the media today lack the courage.
The Post continues to tell the truth, and I will continue to read it.
Dave Filipek
Meriden, Conn.
