So far been confirmed by MSNBC, Reuters and others [updated at 5:28 to include the NY Times].
Bloomberg is quoted by the BBC as saying:
"It has become the source of controversy and division"...
No news yet on whether it'll be rescheduled, or if it's been cancelled for the year. Still monitoring all the websites - if you have an update or news from the New York Road Runners website, put it in the comments and I'll add it in.
Mayor Mike Bloomberg issued a statement which said, in part:
"We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, and so we have decided to cancel it." (Source: BBC)
NY Times has posted an article about it, saying:
Critics said that it was in poor taste to hold a foot race through the five boroughs while so many people in the area are still suffering from the storm’s damages, and that city services should focus on storm relief, not the marathon....
[M]any runners joined a chorus of politicians and area residents this week in speaking out against the plan to stage the marathon despite the widespread damage wrought by the storm Monday night.
More from
ESPN's website from the statement issued by Bloomberg and New York Road Runners president Mary Wittenberg:
"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."