Two-time champion Martin Lel out of New York City Marathon with leg injury

NEW YORK - Two-time champion Martin Lel of Kenya has withdrawn from the New York City Marathon with a leg injury.

New York Road Runners officials announced the pullout Wednesday. The 31-year-old Lel won the Great North Half Marathon in England last month, but his manager Federico Rosa says a nagging leg injury surfaced during training.

Lel won the NYC Marathon in 2003 and 2007. He was considered a favourite in Sunday's five-borough race. Others in the field include defending champion Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil and U.S. standouts Ryan Hall and Meb Keflezighi.

Tatyana Petrova of Russia withdrew from the women's race because of illness.