Radcliffe out of London Marathon - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Radcliffe out of London Marathon

World record-holder Paula Radcliffe has been forced to pull out of next month's Flora London Marathon due to a toe tendon injury.

The 34-year-old, a three-time winner in London, sustained the injury to her right toe while altitude training at her US base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"I am desperately disappointed that I have to pull out of this year's race," said Radcliffe.

"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 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."

London Marathon race director David Bedford said: "It is a major blow to lose Paula from this year's race, 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."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking