Radcliffe pulls out of London Marathon

LONDON (Reuters) - World record holder Paula Radcliffe will miss next month's London Marathon because of a toe injury, organisers said on Thursday.

Radcliffe, who has won the race three times, injured a tendon while training in New Mexico.

"I am desperately disappointed that I have to pull out of this year's race," Radcliffe said in a statement.

Radcliffe said that the injury was minor and would not damage her chances in the Beijing Olympics in August.

"In marathon training there are no short cuts and there is simply not enough time to be in the shape I want to be in to run well in London," said the 34-year-old.

Radcliffe won her comeback marathon in New York last year after giving birth to her daughter a year ago.

"Now I must concentrate on being as well prepared as possible for Beijing."

Organisers of the London race, which takes place on April 13, said they understood Radcliffe's decision.

"Of course, it is a major blow to lose Paula from this year's race but we understand that her priority in 2008 is to be in peak condition for the Olympic Games and we wish her all the best for a speedy return to full fitness," race director David Bedford said in a statement.