New York Marathon called off

Organisers have called off this year's New York Marathon due to the effects of Superstorm Sandy.

The race was going to go ahead as planned on Sunday before protesters expressed their outrage over the decision.

The hurricane, which hit the East coast of the USA earlier this week, has so far claimed 96 lives.

"We have decided to cancel the NYC marathon," read a tweet from the New York Mayor's office. "The New York Road Runners will have additional information in days ahead for participants."

It is the first time in the event's 32-year history that it has been be cancelled.