Athletics: Radcliffe to miss London Marathon

Paula Radcliffe will reassess her racing schedule following her announcement today that she is to miss this month's London Marathon with a foot injury.

Radcliffe, who returned early from her training base in America 10 days ago for treatment on the problem that forced her out of last month's Commonwealth Games, left it to the last moment before making her decision.

The world marathon record holder came came back from Albuqerque, New Mexico, to see the German surgeon Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt in Munich. It is hoped that the injury - which involved bruising of the underside of a toe following a training run last December - will soon heal.

Bone bruising can take months to settle, and rest may not necessarily help it clear up any faster. But with the London Marathon only 20 days away and boasting a world-class field, Radcliffe had to accept she would not be in the right shape to chase a fourth title.

"I have worked really hard over the last few months, so it is gutting now not to be able to take part," she said. "The London Marathon is something that is extremely important to me, and I have done everything possible to resolve the problem and get to the start line.

"I have to accept that it needs a short period of total rest and I also have to focus on moving on from this and my future. I am really disappointed to have to miss this year's event."