New York City mayor cancels marathon for this Sunday

After much criticism about diverting city efforts away from storm relief, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has gone back on his decision to hold the New York Marathon, which had been scheduled for this Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Bloomberg had said the marathon would take place. But criticism had grown from many quarters that the city should focus on storm relief efforts.

"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," Bloomberg said in a statement Friday afternoon.