Farah chooses rest over Delhi Games

Farah, who struck gold for Great Britain in the 5,000m and 10,000m in Barcelona, is going to rest up instead of representing England in Delhi in October.

The forthcoming event has been hit by a spate of high-profile withdrawals in recent weeks.

Somalian-born Farah, 27, said: "I had a great 2010 season and my body is telling me that it is time to take a break from training and racing.

"I have been competing since the start of the year at cross-country, road and track and feel that I need a few weeks off now to let my body recover so that I can start winter training fit and healthy.

"Over the past few weeks I have been getting a few niggles, nothing serious, but enough to tell me to ease back.

"I was looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, but after the success I had this year I am happy to call it a season.

"I look forward to the 2011 World Championships in Daegu and the 2012 Olympic Games in my home city of London.

"I came close to getting a medal in the past two World Championships and hope that I can continue to improve over the next few years."

Farah took 10,000m gold ahead of fellow Briton Chris Thompson in Barcelona and then clinched a golden double four days later in the 5,000m final.

Last month he became the first Briton to run under 13 minutes for the 5,000m by breaking David Moorcroft's 28-year-old record in the Diamond League's Zurich meeting.