I’m probably in the minority, but unlike Christine Brennan in USA Today and elsewhere, I don’t think New York should cancel the New York Marathon in the aftermath of hurricane Sandy. I am not registered for that marathon, nor do I live in the New York area, but I think putting on the marathon is vital for the area’s mental recovery, however, “non-essential” people may deem the act of running 26.2 miles through the five boroughs. There are certain economic benefits, but if there are goals like getting runners on Staten Island for the start, and clearing downed trees, then maybe the marathon will push those goals to fruition. Then again, I could be totally wrong and Sunday may end up being a logistical nightmare for all involved. But consider this, what would happen if the event was cancelled? Calls for refunds would flood web sites and the NYRR offices, next year would be full before registration began, and the cancellation this year would ripple through the marathon for several years.