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LA Runners Return Following NYC Marathon Cancelation

LOS FELIZ (CBSLA.com) —  Local runners are racing back to Southern California after the controversial New York City Marathon was cancelled because of Superstorm Sandy.

Julie Weiss, who committed to 52 marathons in 52 weeks to benefit pancreatic cancer research, found out the so-called "Race to Recover" marathon wasn't going to happen an hour after she landed in the city.

"I'm in shock and I'm grateful," said Weiss via phone. "Hearing that they were using generators for the marathon when people are cold and freezing in their houses with no heat."

Weiss said she hopes to catch a plane back to Los Angeles Friday night, so she can run in the Santa Clarita Marathon on Sunday.

"I think Mayor Bloomberg actually made the right decision by canceling (the marathon). It may have been nice if he made the decision a few days ago," she said.

Runner Dolores Schutzman planned on going to New York until she saw a photo of mile 19 of the 26-mile run under water.

"How can everything be okay to go running when there's devastation and flooding right there on the course?" she said. "I don't think running anything...anywhere...should be a priority over the disaster that's happened."

Cardiologist Heather Shankman canceled her plans to run the marathon, but only after she learned her hotel had no power.

"I realize there are a lot of (people) suffering who don't have clean water, might not have food, but I also realize the marathon is such a part of the spirit of New York City," she said.

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