UPDATE 1-Athletics-Injured holder Lel out of London marathon

* Hip injury rules Lel out of London marathon

* Lel loses out on a chance to win hat-trick of titles

(adds details in final two paras)

By Ken Ferris

LONDON, April 25 (Reuters) - Holder Martin Lel of Kenya has withdrawn from Sunday's London marathon after failing to recover from a hip injury, organisers said on Saturday.

Lel, who was hoping to win a record fourth London marathon men's title, suffered a right hip injury during his final training session last weekend.

The 30-year-old was advised to pull out of the race by medical staff after a late fitness test on Saturday.

"I'm very disappointed not to be able to compete for my fourth London marathon title but I need to be cautious," Lel said in a statement. "The injury is not serious but the pain means I wouldn't be at my best tomorrow."