British road race runner Moh Farah has pulled out of the 2022 TSC London Marathon scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 2 in England.
The 10,000m double Olympic champion cited a discomfort in his hip as the reason for making the last-minute decision.
“I’ve been training really hard over the past few months and I’d got myself back into good shape and was feeling pretty optimistic about being able to put in a good performance at the TCS London Marathon.
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"However, over the past 10 days I’ve been feeling pain and tightness in my right hip. I’ve had extensive physio and treatment and done everything I can to be on the start line but it hasn't improved enough to compete on Sunday," part of the statement from Farah read.
Two days ago, Farah was advised by the marathon’s director Hugh Brasher to emulate Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge who still performs at the highest level despite being 37.
Farah is not the only high profile runner who pulled out of the race which is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Reigning women’s world record, Brigid Kosgei of Kenya also withdrew from the event earlier this week due to similar reasons.
Farah’s and Kosgei’s withdrawal leaves the race wide open for athletes like the defending champion Sisay Lemma, Vincent Kipchumba and Mosinet Geremew to shine.
Former 5,000m world record holder Kenenisa Bekele and Kenya’s Amos Kipruto also stand a chance of shining on Sunday.
In the women’s category, 2021 winner Joyciline Jepkosgei and the Ethiopian duo of Ashete Bekere and Degitu Azimeraw are expected to light up the streets of London.
Jepkosgei, who is aiming to improve his personal best, clocked 2:17.43 to win the race ahead of Azimeraw and Bekere.
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