Former Comrades champion Caroline Wöstmann will not compete in this year’s Comrades Marathon.

In a press release from her club, KPMG announced that Wöstmann made the tough decision to withdraw from this year’s Comrades following discussions with her coach and the club.

“The decision was made due to her current fitness levels, as well as keeping in consideration her future running career and aspirations. We all understand that her withdrawal is a loss for the 2018 Comrades Marathon and Caroline’s large number of loyal supporters. This was a very tough and emotional decision, but we all believe it was the right one for the athlete at this point in time,” said the KPMG club manager, Dana Coetzee.

Finishing a race like @ComradesRace takes great courage and strength. I would like to wish all my mates @KPMG_Running running club as they seek to complete this historic race. Don’t forget to upload your video of support use #SeeYouThrough and tag @cocacolaza

A post shared by Caroline Wostmann (@caroline.wostmann) on May 24, 2018 at 4:30am PDT

As a previous winner of both the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons, Wöstmann was doing everything to properly prepare for this race, including training in Kenya earlier in the year.

Wöstmann has battled with injury for most of 2018 and also withdrew from the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon in March.

When in Kenya… ??#TeamSARunsKenya

A post shared by Caroline Wostmann (@caroline.wostmann) on Jan 12, 2018 at 1:50am PST

 

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