Bloomberg retreats, cancels NYC Marathon

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says New York City Marathon has been canceled.

His statement Friday came after mounting criticism that this was not the time for a race.

With people in storm-ravaged areas still shivering without electricity and the death toll in New York City at more than 40, many New Yorkers recoiled at the prospect of police officers being assigned to protect a marathon on Sunday.

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Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the New York City Marathon will go on despite storm-related objections.

Bloomberg discussed the marathon Friday while giving a briefing on the storm.

He says New York has to show that "we are here and we are going to recover." Bloomberg says the marathon will "give people something to cheer about" after a "dismal week."

Bloomberg has come under fire for pressing ahead with the marathon in a city still reeling from Superstorm Sandy. Some New Yorkers say holding the 26.2-mile race would be insensitive and divert police and other important resources when many are still suffering.

Bloomberg says his predecessor, Rudy Giuliani (joo-lee-AH'-nee), made the right decision to let the marathon continue after the September 2001 terrorist attack.