Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah has confirmed that he will return for the London Marathon

Two months after losing to a club runner, Sir Mo Farah has confirmed he will return to the roads for this autumn’s TCS London Marathon – but insists his days of competing on the track are over.

The 39-year-old has signed up for what might be his final loop of the race on October 2, as well as a half marathon in the capital on September 4, as he fights to prolong his career.

In admitting his fortunes in London will dictate his decision over whether he continues into 2023, Asked if the marathon will be his last race, Farah said: ‘I don’t have any plans yet, my aim is to complete the half marathon, tune myself, and compete at the London marathon and see how my body is. 

‘I am getting on a bit and taking it just one race at a time. As much as I love running it’s not easy competing at a high level.’ 

Farah, who lost the Vitality 10k to little-known Ellis Cross in May, added: ‘When I line up I always want to do my best. Sometimes your body doesn’t allow you, I am getting on a bit. 

‘Do I still have the hunger, am I willing to put in the work and the miles? Yes.

Sir Mo Farah has confirmed he will return to the roads for this autumn’s TCS London Marathon

The four-time Olympic champion lost the Vitality 10k to little-known Ellis Cross in May

Farah says his fortunes in London will dictate his decision over whether he continues into 2023

‘I’ve been putting in consistent mileage and I still have that fight in me. Until you lose it I don’t think I should think about retiring but being realistic, can your body do this? 

‘I’ve watched tennis and Andy Murray, the guy still has that fight in him but his body doesn’t allow him. 

‘I’m planning two races at the minute and then go back and see where I am. Can my body compete with these guys at this level, that’s the question which will come afterwards.’

There had been whispers within that Farah might target one of the three major championships

The former Olympic champion has formally closed the door on competing at Championships

There had been whispers within the sport that Farah might target one of the three major athletics championships on the track this summer, but the four-time Olympic champion has formally closed the door on that avenue.

He said: ‘I love to be competitive with others, it’s the reason I’m not going to the World Championships or Europeans. 

‘If I can’t be competitive with these guys, there’s no point going and making up the team. I’ll give it my all and see what happens.’