Athens Olympic marathon champion Mizuki Noguchi has pulled out of the Osaka International Women's Marathon for the third straight year due to injury, organizers announced Thursday.

Just 10 days before the start of the race, the 35-year old Noguchi has withdrawn due to a stress fracture in her left thighbone.

"I have a strong desire to race but rather than risk it, I have elected to allow my leg to heal and proceed toward my next target," Noguchi said in a statement released by race organizers.

"I want to get over this injury and train for my next race at the start of spring."