Paula Radcliffe announced yesterday that she is to miss this month's Flora London Marathon because of a foot injury. Radcliffe, who returned early from her training base in America 10 days ago for expert treatment, left it to the last possible moment before making her decision.
The world marathon record-holder has been troubled by the same problem which forced her out of last month's Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres. She came back from Albuqerque, New Mexico, to receive a week's treatment from top German surgeon, Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt, in Munich.
It is understood the injury - a knock-on effect after she bruised the underside of a toe on a training run in December - will not entail a long absence. However, with the London Marathon only 20 days away and boasting a world class field, Radcliffe had to accept she would not be in the right shape to chase a fourth title. "I have worked really hard over the last few months, so it is gutting now not to be able to take part," said the 32-year-old.
"The Flora London Marathon 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 it needs a short period of total rest. I am really disappointed."
Radcliffe, who produced a world-record time of two hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds when she won in 2003, may have to wait until August before she is ready to race again - in defence of her European Championship 10,000m title. She could then contest an autumn marathon, with Chicago and New York obvious contenders.
British No.1, Jon Brown, sixth last year in a personal best 2:09:31, also withdrew yesterday. "I have been suffering from a foot problem which is clearing now but has left me way behind in my training preparations for London," he said.
"I feel like I have only done two-thirds of the training needed. This isn't enough for London and I cannot expect to perform to the level I feel I should."This is disappointing for me, especially because this year's race looks to be such a great one. I wish everyone all the best for a successful race."
David Bedford, race director, is confident, however, that – despite the withdrawal of this country's top two marathon runners – this year's event will be a major spectacle.
"The Flora London Marathon will still serve up two great races on April 23. If anything the women's race will be all the more intriguing now," said Bedford. He accepts entirely the reasoning of both Radcliffe and Brown.
"After she withdrew from the Commonwealth Games 10,000m, it was always a possibility that Paula would pull out of London," added Bedford.
"To race when less than fully fit could jeopardise her form for some time. This is the right decision and we look forward to welcoming Paula back in the future.
"Jon is as thorough in his preparation as anyone and we know he would not want to come to London if he could not do himself justice. Abdelkader El Mouaziz, the Moroccan winner of the race seven years ago, is a late addition to the men's field.
Paula Radcliffe - The 2005 World Female Marathon Champion - in action...
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