Radcliffe to miss London Marathon

World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe has withdrawn from the London Marathon on April 23 due to a foot injury.

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.

"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."