STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Accusations of racism have forced the organisers of the Stockholm Marathon to change their proposed plan to give prize money to only Nordic runners.

The organisers had previously announced that the race, which is due to take place on May 30, would be a "Nordic international competition" and that prize money could only be won by Nordic runners.

The decision prompted widespread criticism, with Norwegian sports columnist Andreas Selliaas calling the move "as close to racism as it's possible to come".

The organisers had hoped that the new format, which was to be used every second year, would encourage and improve Nordic competitors.