GB’s Purdue withdraws from marathon

Great Britain’s Charlotte Purdue has withdrawn from the women’s Olympic marathon at Paris 2024 because of an ankle injury.

The 33-year-old has been replaced by Clara Evans in the event, which takes place on 11 August.

Purdue became the second-fastest British woman in the marathon, behind only Paula Radcliffe, when she ran two hours 22 minutes 17 seconds at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

Evans, 30, will make her Olympic debut in Paris following her late call-up.

She will join Calli Hauger-Thackery and Rose Harvey in the women’s marathon, which is the final athletics event at Paris 2024.

Phil Sesemann and Emile Cairess will contest the men’s race, held one day before the women’s race.