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."