World Marathon record holder and World Champion Paula Radcliffe has withdrawn from the Flora London Marathon (April 23rd) due to a foot injury. This follows her withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne due to the same problem.

Radcliffe has previously won London three times in 2002, 2003 and 2005. She broke the Women's Only World Record on two occasions (2002 - 2:18:56; 2005 - 2:17:42), and also the Mixed World Record (2003 - 2:15:25).

Radcliffe said: "I am really disappointed to have to miss this year's event. The Flora 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 the injury needs a short period of total rest and I also have to focus on moving on from this and on my future."

Race Director, David Bedford said today: "After she withdrew from the Commonwealth Games 10,000m, it was always a possibility that Paula would pull out of London. To race when less than fully fit is simply not the Paula we know and could jeopardise her form for some time. We fully understand that this is the right decision and look forward to welcoming Paula back in the future. The Flora London Marathon will still serve up two great races on April 23rd and, if anything, the women's race will be all the more intriguing now."

Britain's top male distance runner Jon Brown has also pulled out. Brown has been beset with injury problems over the years and frustrated at finishing fourth in major championships, including the last two Olympic marathons. He improved his six year-old marathon best when retaining his AAA title in London last April in a time of 2:09:31.

Brown said: "I have been suffering from a foot problem recently which is clearing now, but has left me way behind in my training preparations for London. I feel like I have only done two-thirds of the training needed, and I know this isn't enough for London as I cannot expect to perform to the level I feel I should. This is disappointing for me especially as this year's race looks to be such a great one. I wish everyone all the best for a successful race."

Race Director, Dave Bedford's reaction to the disappointment of losing Brown as well as Radcliffe from this year's race was: "Jon is as thorough in his preparation for his major races as anyone and he's clearly left this announcement as late as possible to give himself every opportunity to make the right decision. We know he would not want to come to London if he could not do himself justice. We wish him well for a speedy return to full fitness and a successful summer."

A late signing to London is Abdelkader El Mouaziz, Champion in 1999 (2:07:57), second in 1998 (2:08:07) and fifth in Chicago in 2002 with his best of 2:06:46. El Mouaziz has competed in London eight times and on each occasion has broken 2:10. He finished fourth in 2005 with a time of 2:09:03.

Elite men's field - fastest times

Paul Tergat (KEN) 2:04:55
Khalid Khannouchi (USA) 2:05:38
Evans Rutto (KEN) 2:05:50
Felix Limo (KEN) 2:06:14
Haile Gebrselassie (ETH) 2:06:20
Abdelkader El Mouaziz (MAR) 2:06:42
Jaouad Gharib (MAR) 2:07:02
Martin Lel (KEN) 2:07:26
Stefano Baldini (ITA) 2:07:29
Shigeru Aburaya (JPN) 2:07:52
Rodgers Rop (KEN) 2:08:07
Hendrick Ramaala (RSA) 2:08:32
Tsuyoshi Ogata (JPN) 2:08:37
Mubarak Hassan Shami (QAT) 2:09:22
Christopher Isegwe (TAN) 2:10:21

Elite women's field - fastest times

Margaret Okayo (KEN) 2:20:43
Deena Kastor (USA) 2:21:16
Constantina Tomescu-Dita (ROM) 2:21:30
Lyudmila Petrova (RUS) 2:22.33
Susan Chepkemei (KEN) 2:23:12
Mari Ozaki (JPN) 2:23:30
Salina Kosgei (KEN) 2:24:32
Mara Yamauchi (GBR) 2:27:38
Stine Larsen (NOR) 2:27:06
Eri Hayakawa (JPN) 2:28:11
Galina Bogomolova (RUS) 2:31:54
Birhan Dagne (GBR) 2:34:45
Jenny Clague(GBR) 2:38:04
Lucy Hasell (GBR) 2:38:09
Berhane Adere (ETH) 2:41:50