(30/09/2005)

World marathon record holder Paul Tergat has pulled out of the BUPA Great South Run on October 9th in Portsmouth.

The 36-year-old Kenyan, who won the half-marathon event in 2001, was forced out due to a hamstring injury.

He also withdrew from the Great North Run two weeks ago because of the same knock.

Organisers says Tergat is still not 100% fit and does not want to jeopardise his major target this autumn - the New York City Marathon on Sunday 6 November.

Elite athletes director Matthew Turnbull said: "It is regrettable but understandable.

"With the New York marathon coming up, understandably he is concentrating on being in the best shape he can be for that."

See also: Tergat targets Great South Run