Morozova received a letter from the Comrades Marathon Association on Thursday, saying her entry and race number had been withdrawn from registration. This is in line with what the association describes as a “clear and explicit” communication from World Athletics, based on Russia’s current invasion of Ukraine.
Billed as one of the top female contenders for Sunday’s race, Morozova was pulled from the event on Thursday following an eleventh-hour decision from the Comrades Marathon Association.
Russia has accused Ukraine of killing the daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s close aide, Alexander Dugin. Darya Dugina died after her car exploded in flames while she was driving home.
Russia Ukraine war: Tens of thousands of people have returned to rural or industrial communities close to the region’s front line at considerable risk because they can’t afford to live in safer places.