Ruth Chepngetich and Peres Jepchirchir withdraw from London Marathon
The women's world record holder, Ruth Chepngetich, and the reigning champion, Peres Jepchirchir, have withdrawn from the London Marathon, organisers said on Friday, less than two weeks before the race.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 April 27. '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.'
Her compatriot Jepchirchir, a three-times major winner who took Olympic gold in Tokyo four years ago, has an ankle injury. 'I am focused on getting healthy again and hope to return to London again in the future when I'm fully fit,' she said.
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Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya, the 2018 winner, is a late addition to the field.
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