Emile Cairess has been ruled out of this year’s London Marathon, where he was expected to challenge Sir Mo Farah’s British record, with a calf injury.
The 28-year-old finished third in 2024 but, after placing fourth in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, was also forced to miss last year’s race in London due to an ankle tendon problem.
Cairess was troubled by the calf problem earlier this year and it has continued to hamper his training.
“I am gutted to be withdrawing from the 2026 London Marathon,” he said.
“After missing the 2025 race, I was very excited at the prospect of returning this year, but out of respect for both the race and the distance, I only want to be on the start line if I am in the best possible condition.
“Unfortunately, the calf problem I suffered earlier in my training block means I am currently not where I need to be.
“I did my best to get on the start line but unfortunately I have to make the difficult decision to withdraw. I wish all participants the best of luck and look forward to returning to the London Marathon next year.”
In January, Cairess, who has a marathon record of two hours, six minutes and 46 seconds, said he felt fit to beat Farah’s mark of 2:05:11 over the past two years.
On Tuesday, world champion Peres Jepchirchir withdrew from the women’s race after her preparation was affected by a stress fracture.
This year’s London Marathon will take place on Sunday 26 April.