Calf problem forces Emile Cairess to miss London Marathon

Emile Cairess‘ hopes of challenging for a new British record time at this year’s London Marathon have been dashed by injury.

Only Sir Mo Farah (2:05:11) and Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee (2:06:38) have run faster than Cairess’ PB of 2:06:46.

Cairess was third in London in 2024 before going on to finish fourth at the Paris Olympics that year and everything looked set up for a big tilt at this year’s race, until the news came through that a calf issue has been hampering his training and has now forced him to withdraw.

‘Gutted’

In a statement released by the race organisers, Cairess said: “I am gutted to be withdrawing from the 2026 TCS London Marathon.

“After missing the 2025 race, I was so excited at the prospect of returning this year, but out of respect to both the race and the distance, I only want to be on the Start Line if I’m in the best possible condition. 

“Unfortunately, the calf issue I sustained earlier in my training block means I am not currently where I need to be, I’ve done my best to be on the Start Line but unfortunately, I have to make the tough decision to withdraw. 

“I wish everyone taking part the very best of luck and hope to be back at the TCS London Marathon next year.” 

Sesemann and Mahamed in the mix

Cairess had been set to be paced by friend and occasional training partner Yee in what would have been a full circle moment.

For Cairess played a key role in Yee’s stunning breakthrough at the Valencia Marathon last December, pacing him through 21 miles as he clocked that 2:06:38.

In Cairess’ absence there will still be high hopes that Phil Sesemann, who trains with both Yee and Cairess, will be able to improve on his best time of 2:07:11 from Valencia last year, which puts him fifth on the British all-time list.

Another Brit in the mix is Mahamed Mahamed who is in fourth with a 2:07:05.

The two big favourites for the win in London are defending champion Sabastian Sawe of Kenya and Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, the reigning half marathon world record holder.