An anonymous group of former and current employees called for Capiraso’s resignation in September after claiming he had fostered "toxic, discriminatory and systemically racist work culture" at the NYRR – the organisers of the New York City Marathon.

The group, called Rebuild NYRR, said it had been pushing for "fairness and cultural competency for years" only to have it "fall on deaf ears" and urged the organisation to undergo an independent pay equity audit and take action to "remediate disparities".

More than 1,160 people have signed the petition launched by Rebuild NYRR.

According to a report by Runner’s World, NYRR’s Board of Directors then informed staff that it had retained an outside law firm to interview employees and assess the organisation’s policies and practices.

Yesterday, NYRR announced a “leadership transition plan” which included the resignation of Capiraso who is due to depart on December 31.

George Hirsch, chairman of the Board of NYRR, thanked Capiraso who has been chief executive since 2015, for his services to the organisation.

"Over the past several months, the Board of Directors has listened to the concerns raised and recommendations offered by the community NYRR serves, including its employees and members of the broader running community," said Hirsch.

"In order to achieve our mission to help and inspire people through running, we will recruit new leadership to the organisation.

"The entire Board of Directors and I thank Michael Capiraso for his 10 years of contributions and dedication to this organisation."

Capiraso added: "I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the NYRR running community for the past 10 years.

"I am proud of the growth the organisation and I have achieved and the impact we have had, and I wish NYRR continued success."

The NYRR said Kerin Hempel had been appointed interim chief executive and would be in place while the Board searched for a permanent replacement to Capiraso.

Hempel has a long history with NYRR, including serving as the organisation’s vice-president of strategy and planning from 2010 to 2014.

She has worked in strategy and advisory roles for several companies, both in-house and as a consultant with McKinsey & Co. and Sparrow.

"I strongly believe in the future of NYRR and its ability to positively impact lives all over the world," said Hempel.

"I look forward to once again working with NYRR’s talented staff and helping navigate the organisation through this critical period, as we identify the best candidate to lead NYRR over the long-term."