UPDATE: The Marathon has now been cancelled.
The New York Marathon, scheduled for Sunday (Monday NZ time) has been postponed according to a New York Times report, citing an un-named source.
The decision has been attended by fierce controversy.
As blackouts and other problems continue in many areas, some want all hands on deck for the Sandy relief effort. The backlash included several social media campaigns, including a Facebook effort.
Others, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, see the race as a morale and economic boost for the city.
The marathon, which has been run every year since 1970, had attracted around 50,000 runners from around the US and around the world. Moa man Goeff Ross and his wife Justine (already en route) are among travelers from New Zealand for this year's race.
According to one estimate, the marathon brings $US400 million a year to the New York economy - leading cynics to suggest it was cancelled late in the piece to guarantee most runners still arrived in the city.