Jo Pavey has been forced to withdraw from the Great South Run, scheduled for this Sunday, following an unfortunate groin injury which happened during training for the race last week.

The 35 year old's husband, who is also her coach, explained that her groin was so tender over the weekend that she was unable to extend her leg. He continued to reveal that her groin has proved troublesome before but an intensive physiotherapy schedule has brought improvements.

Pavey’s injury has brought an end to the exciting prospect of a 10 mile race against Paula Radcliffe, and Kenyan athlete, Martha Komu, will replace her in Portsmouth. Komu managed to finish fifth in the marathon at this summer’s Olympic Games but her inclusion will bring no consolation to fans of the British athlete.

The race will be Radcliffe’s first since her unimpressive performance in the Olympic marathon and many British journalists were relishing the prospect of watching Pavey compete against her.

Pavey was unfortunate enough to miss the Great South Run last year as well and she was extremely excited about competing in this year’s race, following an impressive performance in the Great North Run.

However, her husband has revealed that her success in the recent race may have partially caused her current problem. He stated that she was “unable to warm down” but this did not cause any concern at the time. Luckily for the athlete, a recent MRI scan has shown no major problems, with some minor bone irritation requiring her to rest for a few weeks.