The event had been scheduled to take place on Sunday (March 15), along with a Rising New York Road Runners youth race.

A statement from the organisers confirmed the cancellation of the event, despite efforts to adjust plans to mitigate risks posed by the coronavirus.

"We know this is a challenging time for everyone, and the cancellation of the NYC Half is disappointing news to many, but the resources necessary to organise an event with 25,000 runners on the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan have become strained during this difficult period," a statement read.

"Over the past week the NYRR team worked hard to adjust plans, implementing modifications and accommodations to alleviate crowding and facilitate social distancing.

"Unfortunately, it has become clear that we will be unable to proceed in the manner that our runners have come to expect at NYRR events, where the safety and security of our runners, volunteers, staff, partners and spectators are our main concern."

Organisers have confirmed runners who had registered for the event will be contacted in the coming days.

They will be given the option of a full refund of their entry fee or a guaranteed non-complimentary entry to the 2021 event next March.

Runners who gained entry through a charity or tour operator should contact the organisation concerned, NYRR added.

The half marathon is the latest sporting event to be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Mass participation events have particularly been affected, as countries and local authorities seek to curb the spread of the virus by introducing measures aimed at reducing large-scale gatherings.

The Barcelona Marathon was postponed last week, with the event now expected to take place in October.

The Rome Marathon, due to take place on March 29, was cancelled by organisers with Italy currently experiencing the biggest outbreak in Europe.

Organisers of the Paris Marathon have moved the event from April 5 to October 18.

Nearly 120,000 cases of coronavirus have been reported worldwide since the outbreak began in China, with the country having had over 80,000 cases.

Around 66,000 people have been reported to have recovered from the virus, while 4,300 have died.