The Kenyan athlete became the first woman in history to run a sub-2:10 marathon after clocking 2:09:56 in Chicago last year

Ruth Chepng’etich, who shattered the world marathon record and became the first woman in history to run sub-2:10 over 26.2 miles, is out of this year’s TCS London Marathon.

The 30-year-old made history at last year’s Chicago Marathon after running 2:09:56, improving Tigist Assefa’s mark of 2:11:53 by almost two minutes.

Chepng’etich was the leading name in the elite women’s field at this year’s London Marathon but has now withdrawn, citing she wasn’t ready to race.

The world record-holder said: “I’m not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London and I am therefore withdrawing. I am very sad to miss the race and I hope to be back next year.”

Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning London Marathon and Tokyo Olympic champion, is also out of the event after sustaining an ankle injury.

At last year’s edition, Jepchirchir triumphed in a new women’s only world record of 2:16:16.

Jepchirchir said: “Winning last year’s TCS London Marathon was one of the highlights of my career and I was very much looking forward to returning this year to defend my title. Unfortunately, my injury has made this impossible but I am focused on getting healthy again and hope to return to London again in the future when I’m fully fit.”

In a late addition to this year’s London Marathon, 2018 champion Vivian Cheruiyot is returning to the race for the first time in five years.

Cheruiyot, who is the 2016 Olympic 50000m champion and has secured four world gold medals, has competed at the London Marathon on three occasions, winning in 2018 and finishing as runner-up in 2019. She last competed in London in October 2020.

Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “It is a great shame that Ruth and Peres, two of the greatest women marathon runners in history, will not be at this year’s TCS London Marathon.

“We wish them both well and hope to welcome them back to London next year. Meantime, we’re delighted that our 2018 champion Vivian Cheruiyot will be coming to London as a late addition to the elite field.”