Irish Olympian Martin Fagan has had to pull out of this year's New York Marathon because of an Achilles injury.

Fagan had been confirmed as a participant in his year’s 40th running of the ING New York Marathon on November 1. 

The latest injury setback caps an extremely frustrating year for the Irishman, who also had to pull out of this year’s World Championship in Berlin because of the same problem.

The 26-year-old, who ran for Mullingar Harriers growing up, represented Ireland at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the marathon. 

However, he was forced to pull up just short of 25 miles into the course with a hamstring injury.

2009 started so well for Fagan when he won the Austin Half Marathon in Texas in January and beat 1984 Olympic silver medalist John Treacy's half-marathon record at the Fortis City-Pier-City half-marathon in The Hague.