Eilish McColgan has withdrawn from the 2023 TCS London Marathon, which will take place on Sunday (23 April).

McColgan (32), who was set to make her marathon debut, developed a knee problem in recent days that has not responded to treatment.

The British half-marathon record holder and Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion said: “Unfortunately, my knee hasn’t improved as much as I wanted it to. I was hopeful I could participate after some knee bursitis I had in February – I could run through that and I have tried to run through this, but it has got to the point where it isn’t feasible to run a marathon. 

“There have been a few factors that have come together like a bad storm in the past three weeks and the knee issue has been the final crack in the armour.

“I’m disappointed and know I’m ready to run a good marathon. That is what makes it hard to not be there on the Start Line. As an athlete I wanted to compete, but I’m a firm believer these things happen for a reason. There will be another London Marathon in my future where, hopefully, I will be able to perform well.”

The elite women’s race at the 2023 TCS London Marathon is set to be one of the greatest female marathon races of all time.

Among those taking part are defending champion Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH), world record holder Brigid Kosgei (KEN), Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) and Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champion Sifan Hassan (NED), who is making her marathon debut.