Martin Lel misses the London Marathon with leg injury

Martin Lel winning the London Marathon in 2008

Martin Lel won the London Marathon in 2005, 2007, and 2008

Three-time winner Martin Lel has been forced to withdraw from the London Marathon for the second year in a row

The Kenyan, who pulled out of the 2009 Marathon with a hip problem, was hoping to achieve a record fourth win at the 25 April race.

But the 31-year-old's ambition has been wrecked by an injury to his right leg.

"He's one of the best marathon runners in the world. It's disappointing to lose Martin for a second year in a row," said race director Dave Bedford.

"We look forward to welcoming him back next year."

Lel won the London Marathon in 2005, 2007, and 2008, the New York City Marathon in 2003 and 2007 and the Great North Run in 2007 and 2009.

606: DEBATE

Who will win the London Marathon 2010?

And his 2008 winning time of two hours, five minutes and 15 seconds made him the fourth-quickest marathon runner ever.

The event has this year once again attracted a star-studded field with Olympic champion Sammy Wanjiru defending the title he won 12 months ago.

The women's race will also see Germany's Irina Mikitenko return to chase a third successive victory where she will face British hope Mara Yamauchi, who was second behind her in 2009.