The Ethiopian great, who was runner-up in London last year, has been suffering with a series of niggling injuries that have interrupted his training.
Bekele said: “I am very disappointed. I was very much looking forward to returning to the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, especially after how well I ran there last year. But a series of small niggles have prevented me from getting in the training block I require to be at my best and I have had to make the difficult decision to withdraw. I wish everyone who is running the very best of luck.”
Bekele is the third-fastest man in history over the marathon distance and a 17-time World Champion on the track and cross-country.
For the full elite fields at the 2025 TCS London Marathon, view our media resources.