World record holder Paula Radcliffe has withdrawn from next month's London Marathon because of a broken toe, race organisers said on Thursday.

"I am desperately disappointed that I have to pull out of this year's race," Radcliffe, winner of the event in 2002, 2003 and 2005, said in a statement.

"Especially as I was looking forward to running in front of the amazing crowds of spectators in London that always offer such great support."

Radcliffe, who injured her right second toe while altitude training in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday, said she may have surgery to cure an existing problem with a bunion that is thought to have contributed to her toe injury.

"I am considering surgery to get myself totally healthy as soon as physically possible and ultimately prevent the bunion causing future problems," the 2005 world marathon champion said.