World Record Holder Makau Withdraws from Berlin Marathon

W460

World marathon record-holder Patrick Makau has withdrawn from this month's Berlin marathon due to a knee injury, the athlete said on Saturday.

The 28-year-old Kenyan, who set the world's best of 2:03.38 on the same course in 2011, said he was disappointed not to compete in Berlin, where he planned to lower his record.

"I wanted to compete and remained focused for the race," Makau told AFP.

"But after discovering the extent of the injury, I now realize that I won't be in shape to give my very best on September 29. It is very disappointing," he added.

Makau's absence deprives the Berlin race of the two leading marathoners in the world.

Makau was expected to come face-to-face for the first time with fellow Kenyan, Wilson Kipsang, who holds the world's second-fastest marathon time of 2:03.12.

Olympic bronze medalist, Kipsang will now have to contend with two relatively unknown Kenyans as he bids to run under the 2:03 world record.

The former world junior cross country champion, Geoffrey Kisang and the former world 5,000m champion, Eliud Kipchoge, who will be running only his second marathon since shifting from the track, will be competing in the race.

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