Marc Scott, the 2022 World Indoor Championships bronze medallist over 3000m, has confirmed his withdrawal from the 2025 TCS London Marathon due to a knee injury sustained during training.
The 30-year-old British long-distance specialist, who made his marathon debut in the capital last year, had been preparing intensively for a return to the iconic 26.2-mile course. However, a recurring knee issue has now ruled him out of this year’s event.
Training momentum halted by persistent knee issue
Scott, who finished 11th in last year’s marathon with a time of 2:11:19, shared the news with his followers via Instagram, expressing disappointment over the timing of the injury.
Scott, on his Instagram, said: “Training was going exceptionally well – I would argue that I was in the best shape of my life and that was exciting. The following day coming off the back of a fast long run I had an issue with my knee.
Weeks later it was still giving me trouble and no matter the intervention, it didn’t settle in time to rescue the training we had missed. I’m not prepared to get on the line at London not being at my best. I know I’m capable of fast marathon, it’s in there somewhere and hopefully this fall I can prove that to myself.
For now back to it when the body allows and get ready for some shorter racing this summer. Good luck to everyone in London.”
Despite targeting the Olympic marathon qualifying mark of 2:08:10 during his 2024 debut, Scott fell short and later described that performance as one to “forget about and move on from.”
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Scott, who represented Great Britain in both the 5000m and 10,000m at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, had shown promising form earlier this year. He completed the Barcelona Half Marathon in a time of 61:00 — just 21 seconds off his personal best of 60:39 set in 2020.
His recent marathon form had been closely followed, with fans and analysts eager to see if he could build upon his debut and challenge the upper echelons of British marathon running. His decision to step back now reflects a strategic approach to recovery and long-term performance.
His absence will be felt at this year’s London Marathon, especially following a similar withdrawal by fellow British marathoner Emile Cairess, who also pulled out earlier this year due to an ankle tendon injury.
Cairess, who finished third at the 2024 London Marathon and narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the Paris Olympics, had made headlines with his debut marathon in 2023, clocking 2:08:07 — a British debut record. He followed that up with an impressive 2:06:46 in 2024, securing his status as the second-fastest Briton ever over the marathon distance behind only Mo Farah.
As the London Marathon approaches, the British team will miss the presence of two of its most promising talents, but both athletes remain focused on future opportunities, aiming to return to top form later in the season.
Marc Scott – Notable Achievements
- 2022 World Indoor Championships (Belgrade): Won bronze in the 3000m event, securing a podium finish on the global stage.
- 2021 Tokyo Olympics: Represented Great Britain in both the 5000m and 10,000m events.
- ⏱️ European Indoor Record – 5000m (2022): Set a European indoor record with a time of 12:57.08 at an event in Boston, USA.
- ♂️ Marathon Debut – 2024 London Marathon: Completed his first full marathon in a time of 2:11:19, finishing 11th overall and as the third Brit behind Emile Cairess and Mahamed Mahamed.
- Barcelona Half Marathon (2025 Season): Ran a time of 61:00, narrowly missing his personal best of 60:39 set in 2020.
- Multiple-time British Champion (Outside this article but noteworthy): Has held national titles in both track and road events across various distances.
