The race must go on?

As a battered New York City begins to recover from Hurricane Sandy's fury, one individual has become a target of intense criticism.

On Wednesday, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced ING's New York City Marathon would still take place, and would not hinder relief efforts.

Over 40,000 runners, including newbies, elites and Olympic athletes from across the globe, are expected to participate in this year's event. Getting ready for a marathon is no trivial matter - idolized marathoner Hal Higdon recommends completing one straight year of running before spending 18 weeks completing a specific training plan.

Canceling or postponing the race would mean the city will miss out or be delayed $340 million in positive economic impact.

Before the storm hit, the New York Road Runners club was expecting to raise $34 million for 300 charities. Post-Sandy, the Road Rubbers have announced they will donate at least $1 million, or $26.20 for each runner who participates, to directly aid storm-affected New Yorkers.

Others have stepped up, too, offering funding for relief efforts: founding members of the marathon have pledged $1.1 million while the ING Foundation has promised $500,000.

Even with generous financial support, the public still appears to be critical.

An online comment left on an ABC News article by an avid marathoner scheduled to run Sunday's race suggested volunteers and athletes seek an alternative form of exercise.

"Instead, let's make a statement and have all the incredibly fit runners volunteer to help clean up and clear debris for those in need," he wrote. "THAT would make a statement. I don't need a volunteer to be handing me Gatorade at mile 16 when so many on the flooded streets and flooded homes have been running their own marathons for four days."

Perhaps a compromise?

Have the race continue as scheduled and, after lunch and a nap, those who are interested in volunteering with clean-up efforts can do so in the afternoon or the following day.

Runners who have spent so much time and money preparing for and traveling to the marathon should not be penalized for a freak event of nature. Instead of spending time arguing who is right and who is wrong, stop talking and lend a helping hand following the race.

* Ashley Miller is a member of the Pilot news staff. Reach the columnist at amiller@stormlakepilottribune.com