New York City Marathon is cancelled after public outcry

Sunday's New York City Marathon has been cancelled.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had steadfastly backed holding the marathon as a celebration of New York City despite a public outcry, cancelled the event, saying that holding it would have been too divisive.

The New York City Roadrunners Club, the marathon sponsor, as of this afternoon called the marathon the "Race to Recover," and was still issuing transportation updates for the runners about the event late this afternoon.

Mayor Bloomberg issued the following statement about the event, according to USA Today:

"The Marathon has been an integral part of New York City's life for 40 years and is an event tens of thousands of New Yorkers participate in and millions more watch. While holding the race would not require diverting resources from the recovery effort, it is clear that it has become the source of controversy and division.

"The marathon has always brought our city together and inspired us with stories of courage and determination. We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, and so we have decided to cancel it. We cannot allow a controversy over an athletic event – even one as meaningful as this – to distract attention away from all the critically important work that is being done to recover from the storm and get our city back on track.

"The New York Road Runners will have additional information in the days ahead for participants."