Paula out of London race

LONDON: World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe has withdrawn from the London Marathon on April 23 due to a foot injury, organisers said yesterday.

It follows her withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne with the same problem. Radcliffe has won the London Marathon three times – in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

Radcliffe said in a media release yesterday: “I am really disappointed to have to miss this year's event.

“The Flora London Marathon is something that is extremely important to me and I have done everything possible to resolve the problem and get to the start line.

“I have to accept that the injury needs a short period of total rest and I also have to focus on moving on from this and on my future.”

The 32-year-old Briton, who set the world record of 2'15:25 in the 2003 London race, injured her right foot in training in January.

The injury forced her to withdraw in March from the Commonwealth Games where she had been entered for both the 5,000m and 10,000m.

London Marathon race director David Bedford felt Radcliffe's withdrawal had always been possible.

“To race when less than fully fit is simply not the Paula we know and could jeopardise her form for some time,” said Bedford.

Britain's top male distance runner Jon Brown has also pulled out of the race due to a foot injury which has prevented him from training fully.

“I feel like I have only done two-thirds of the training needed and I know this isn't enough for London,” said Brown. – Reuters