Clock ticks to London Marathon but big blow to Kenya after Kamworor pulls out

Two-time New York Marathon Champion Geoffrey Kamwaror has withdrawn from Sunday’s London Marathon due to a hip flexor injury.

Kamworor made the announcement on his X account, noting that his current physical condition has hampered his training and has ultimately led to his withdrawal.

His absence is a huge blow to Team Kenya, as he was among the favourites to win in Sunday’s race.

The athlete’s management noted that the 2023 world-cross country champion has been experiencing stiffness while on training sessions and opted for a conservative measure to avoid long-term damage.

Kenya’s hopes now will be on Alexander Mutiso Munyao, who was the runner-up at the 2023 Valencia Marathon.

Brigid Kosgei and Tigst Assefa from Ethiopia are also expected to offer a spectacle when they clash in the women’s race.

The fourth-fastest woman of all time Ruth Chepng'etich, Peres Jepchirchir , the reigning Olympic champion, and Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia, the 2022 London Marathon champion, are other top Athletes set to feature in the Sunday marathon.