JOHANNESBURG – Defending women's champion Camille Herron of the USA on Wednesday announced her withdrawal from the Comrades Marathon due to injury.
"With much sadness and heartbreak I’m withdrawing from the Comrades Marathon," Herron said on her instagram account.
Though the 36-year-old is back in training, Herron said there would be no way she would be able to compete in the race from Pietermartizburg to Durban on June 10.
"I had a sudden quad strain last week. I’m back running, and while I remained hopeful and optimistic I’m trying to respect my body and do what’s right."
"I have a great medical team here, and we feel confident we can make progress to ensure I toe the line at Western States 100-mile Endurance Run (June 23).
"I appreciate everyone’s support, compassion, and good karma right now. I’m still just as much a fan and will be in spirit with my Nedbank teammates and everyone racing at Comrades this year. Bless you all and enjoy the magic of Comrades."
A post shared by Camille Herron(@runcamille) on May 30, 2018 at 12:20pm PDT
Herron's withdrawal is the second in less than a week, following 2015 champion Caroline Wostmann pulling out of the race on May 25.