British runner Emile Cairess has been forced to withdraw from this month’s London Marathon with a calf injury.
The 28-year-old had been expected to challenge Mo Farah’s British record of 2:05:11 at the race but will now miss it for the second year in a row, after an ankle tendon injury prevented him from taking part in 2025.
He finished third in the 2024 edition and fourth in the Paris Olympics marathon the same year.
He said on Wednesday: “I am gutted to be withdrawing from the 2026 London Marathon. After missing the 2025 race, I was so excited at the prospect of returning this year, but out of respect to both the race and the distance, I only want to be on the start line if I’m in the best possible condition.
“Unfortunately, the calf issue I sustained earlier in my training block means I am not currently where I need to be. I’ve done my best to be on the start line but unfortunately, I have to make the tough decision to withdraw.
“I wish everyone taking part the very best of luck and hope to be back at the London Marathon next year.”
Britain’s Alice Wright also withdrew on Wednesday.
Cairess picked up the calf issue earlier this year, hampering his training throughout March.
His is the latest high-profile withdrawal from the race after world champion and 2020 Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir withdrew on Tuesday due to a stress fracture. The Kenyan also missed last year’s event with an ankle injury.
Reigning Olympic champion Sifan Hassan will be another notable absence after pulling out last month with an Achilles issue.
The London Marathon takes place on Sunday 26 April.
