- World-record holder Chepngetich ‘not in right place’
- Defending women’s champion Jepchirchir has ankle injury
The women’s world-record holder, Ruth Chepngetich, and the reigning champion, Peres Jepchirchir, have withdrawn from the London Marathon, organisers said on Friday, less than two weeks before the race.
Kenyan Chepngetich broke the women’s record in Chicago last year, running 2hr 9min 56sec to become the first woman to break 2:10, and had hoped to improve on that time in London on 27 April. “I’m not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London and I am therefore withdrawing,” she said in a statement. “I am very sad to miss the race and I hope to be back next year.”
