Scotland's Eilish McColgan has announced her withdrawal from her inaugural London Marathon due to a blood sugar issue.
The 31-year-old was expected to head into the October road race seeking to build on her haul of four medals from the recent European Championships and Commonwealth Games.
McColgan left Birmingham last month with a 10,000m gold and 5,000m silver under her belt, as well as winning silver in the European Championships 10,000m and bronze in the 5,000m.
However, the Commonwealth champion will not be partaking in this year's event due to "unexpected issues" when fuelling during a race; the problem has been identified as rebound or reactive hypoglycaemia, where blood sugar levels drop dangerously low after eating.
"Sadly, I won't be taking part in the TCS London Marathon this October. I've had some unexpected issues with my blood sugars when taking fuel on long runs and sadly there isn't enough time to get it right for race day," McColgan posted on social media.
"The good news - it's not a good bye, it's an "I''ll see you later".. As I'll be on the start line in 6 months time, when London Marathon moves back to its typical April date in 2023! 😁
"I feel confident that the extra 6 months will give me the time I need to prepare my body, and fuelling strategy, as best as I possibly can.
"But for now, I'm looking forward to being in London this weekend for the Big Half! 🇬🇧 It's been an incredible year so far and I'm excited to soak up the British atmosphere one more time!"
The 2022 London Marathon takes place on October 2, and McColgan's mother Liz McColgan-Nuttall was previously crowned champion in the event in 1996.
Ben Knapton
