The marathon will not take place in storm-ravaged New York City this Sunday, Mayor Bloomberg announced late Friday.
Bloomberg had defended his decision to hold the 26.2-mile race as scheduled on Sunday, although many New Yorkers complained it would be insensitive and divert city resources at a time when many are suffering.
Bloomberg earlier in the day said the marathon would "give people something to cheer about in what has been a very dismal week for a lot of people."
But after growing criticism, the event was put off.
"The marathon has always brought our city together and inspired us with stories of courage and determination," Bloomberg said in a statement. "We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, so we have decided to cancel it."
There was no immediate word on a new date for the event.
