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By Bob Ramsak
A toe tendon injury has forced Briton Paula Radcliffe to pull out of next month's Flora London Marathon, organizers announced today.
The world record holder in the marathon, who was aiming to win her fourth London title on April 13, sustained the injury to her right toe while training at her base in Albuquerque, N.M.
“I am desperately disappointed that I have to pull out of this year’s race,” said Radcliffe, who was Flora London Marathon champion in 2002, 2003 and 2005, in a press release. “I love running in London and this race would have been the perfect test for me before the Olympic Games."
“But in marathon training there are no short cuts," Radcliffe continued, "and there is simply not enough time to be in the shape I want to be in to run well in London. Now I must concentrate on being as well prepared as possible for Beijing.”
While Radcliffe said the setback is a blow to her competitive plans, she described the injury as "minor", and still believes that she can be in ready for the Olympic Games marathon on August 17.
“Of course, it is a major blow to lose Paula from this year’s race," race director David Bedford said, "but we understand that her priority in 2008 is to be in peak condition for the Olympic Games and we wish her all the best for a speedy return to full fitness."
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