Haile Gebrselassie pulls out of Great South Run

Haile Gebrselassie has won two Olympic gold medals

Ethiopian distance running legend Haile Gebrselassie has withdrawn from this Sunday's Great South Run.

The 41-year-old was due to make his debut in the event, which is its 25th year, but setbacks in his training have forced him to pull out.

The news is a double blow for organisers, following the withdrawal of European Championship gold medallist Jo Pavey in the women's race.

Around 25,000 people will run the 10-mile course in Portsmouth.