Mo Farah has turned down the chance to represent Great Britain in the marathon at this year’s Athletics World Championships in Doha, paving the way for a track return.
Farah was eligible for a place in the team, having finished fifth in Sunday’s London Marathon in 2:05:39, the second fastest ever time by a Brit, behind his own European record.
After the race, which was won by world record holder Eliud Kipchoge in 2:02:38, Farah had suggested he would take some time to speak to his coach and agent about his options for the season ahead.
However, British Athletics announced on Wednesday that Farah had declined his place.
The 36-year-old has previously hinted at a return to the track, and though he has made no formal announcement on that front, the assumption is that he will target a fourth successive 10,000m world title in the autumn, to go with the two Olympic golds he has won over the distance.
New Scottish record holder Callum Hawkins was named alongside Welshman Dewi Griffiths, who takes Farah’s place, as Britain’s male representatives for the marathon in Doha.
Charlotte Purdue, who moved up to number three on the British all-time list with her 2:25:38 clocking in London, will head the women’s team, alongside Tish Jones, who earned her first senior Great Britain vest by running the exact qualifying time of 2:31:00 in the same race.
British Athletics also announced that race walkers Dominic King and Cameron Corbishley had secured places on the team for the 50km event.
