British athlete Mo Farah says this year’s London Marathon will be his last as he contemplates the end of his illustrious career.
The 40-year-old is best known for his success on the track where he won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, as well as multiple world titles at both distances.
And while his marathon career has not reached the same heights, Farah is keen to run again in London after missing out on last year’s edition even though he will be 40 when the race is held on April 23.
“It’s been an incredible career and taking part in the London Marathon is a big deal,” he said in a statement issued by event organizers.
“I was gutted not to race last year and I just wanted to give it one more go.
“It depends on me. I just want to get to the starting line and see if I can manage. I only participated in one race.”
He added: “I’m not a spring chicken anymore. You can’t keep coming back in the right shape and, for me, I’m happy to finish at home.
Farah is ruled out of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, but could try to make up for his time as an England international at this year’s World Championships in Budapest.
“I will not participate in the Olympics and I think 2023 will be my last year,” he said.
“But if it comes to the end of the year and you’ve been selected for your country, I won’t say no.”
Farah finally ran in London in 2019, finishing fifth, after finishing third the previous year.
“So it’s been a while,” he said. “But I will prepare well, I will go to Ethiopia and do some intense training and see what I can do in April.”