Helen Clitheroe withdraws from London Marathon

Great Britain's Helen Clitheroe has been forced to pull out of this Sunday's London Marathon with a bout of flu.

The 39-year-old had been due to compete in her first 26.2 mile encounter.

"It's a bit sad but Helen won't be able to compete in London," said her agent Jurrie van der Velden.

"She realised she has missed too much important training to be ready for a good debut."

The withdrawal of Clitheroe has left Freya Ross as Britain's only female competitor in London.