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04/02/2006: "ABSOLUTE AGONY: ALICHE OPTS OUT AFTER EIGHT"

Would-be marathon runner denies training crisis

Marathon hopeful Aliche Farebrother, 24, last night angrily rejected suggestions that her training regime was in turmoil following an early retreat from the Kingston "Race for Life". The Docklands-based advertising copywriter claimed she was advised by medics to pull out of the picturesque, yet punishing, 16-mile event held in South-West London. But race observers were bemused to find her sipping cappuccino while other entrants pushed themselves to the limit along the gruelling course.

"You would have thought she'd have gone straight from the race to her physio," commented one well-placed source, "but we saw her wandering around and asking officials whether she could have a free commemorative mug."

Farebrother, known to her fans as FBT, had already seen the withdrawal of her long-time running partner Caroline 'Cazzamondo' Winder, whose own fitness is in question following a bout of sciatica. The latest news will come as a shock to supporters of the pair, who had assumed that first and second place in this month's 26-miler were a foregone conclusion. Concerns had recently been raised, however, that Farebrother regularly lost valuable seconds munching jelly babies while running. She's also been accused of spending more time blogging than jogging. Her website at www.bloggersnipple.co.uk has attracted a cult following.


Mug's game: Farebrother asks charity bosses for free gift