The N.Y. Road Runners on Thursday “reversed itself” following criticism from marathoners and said that it would “allow runners to check a bag at the starting line” of the ING N.Y. Marathon on Nov. 4, according to Ken Belson of the N.Y. TIMES. NYRR said two weeks ago that it “would no longer transport runners’ clothing and other belongings” to the race’s Central Park finish line. More than 1,500 people signed a petition “calling on the race organizers to rethink the policy.” Runners who do not check a bag “will receive a poncho and a long-sleeve T-shirt, and will be able to use communications stations faster than those who drop off bags.” Those runners who want their belongings brought to the finish line “will receive bags that are smaller than in the past, but large enough to hold shoes, warm clothing and a few personal items.” NYRR has “tinkered with its bag drop policy for several years to relieve crowding at the finish line, where exhausted runners are corralled and directed to open areas” (N.Y. TIMES, 9/7).