INJURY SIDELINES RADCLIFFE FROM LONDON MARATHON

by Bob Ramsak
(c) 2008 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved. Used with permission

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."