Salazar Will Pass on New York Marathon

Alberto Salazar, a two-time winner of the New York City Marathon, says he will not compete in the event this year as he tries to stage a comeback from debilitating muscle injuries and surgery.

“It’s only five weeks away. I’m hurting and it’s too much to try and get ready for,” Salazar said. “Rather than come down with a new injury after all I’ve been through in the past few years, I think I’m going to be a little more patient.”

Salazar, who last won the marathon in 1982, has suffered the past three years from hamstring injuries that have threatened to end his running career. He only recently returned to competitive racing after two hamstring operations this year, posting a second-place finish Sept. 1 in the Alaska 10K run.