Mary Keitany, the world record holder in the women-only marathon, has ended her career.

The Kenyan called it quits at age 39 after she was denied treatment because of the coronavirus in Europe after sustaining a back injury in December 2019.

"Every time I thought I had got over the injury and started training hard, it became a problem again," Keitany said.

"So now is the time to say goodbye - if only as an elite runner - to the sport I love so much."

The Kenyan won the New York marathon four times and has three top spots in London, with her 2017 victory in two hours 17 minutes and one second the world record in a women-only race.

The mixed race women's record is 2:14.04 held by compatriot Brigid Kosgei, which was set in 2019 in Chicago.

A mother of two, Keitany is also the half marathon world champion from 2009 and placed fourth at the 2012 Olympics in London.

She said she has no specific plans for the future and is looking forward to spending more time with her family.