BOSTON — Four-time Boston Marathon winner Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya has withdrawn from next month's race because of a hip injury.

The Boston Athletic Association and John Hancock Financial said Friday that Cheruiyot injured his right hip a few weeks ago and has been unable to train as usual. Cheruiyot holds the course record at the Boston Marathon.

Champions Deriba Merga of Ethiopia and Salina Kosgei of Kenya are to defend their titles in the 114th running of the marathon on April 19.