This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-36112137

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Tim Peake prepares to 'run' London Marathon from space Tim Peake 'runs' London Marathon from space
(about 3 hours later)
UK astronaut Tim Peake is preparing to run the distance of the London Marathon on a treadmill in the International Space Station (ISS). UK astronaut Tim Peake is running the distance of the London Marathon on a treadmill in the International Space Station (ISS).
To counteract the effects of weightlessness, he will use a harness to keep him on the running belt. To counteract the effects of weightlessness, he is using a harness to keep him on the running belt.
He will run the standard 42km (26.2mi) distance, starting at the the same time as other competitors on 24 April. He will run the standard 42km (26.2mi) distance and started at the the same time as other competitors on 24 April.
"I'm really looking forward to this - it's a great challenge," said Major Peake. "I'm really looking forward to this - it's a great challenge," said Major Peake, before the event.
"I'm quite glad that this is happening later on in the mission so I've had plenty of time to get used to the T2 treadmill.""I'm quite glad that this is happening later on in the mission so I've had plenty of time to get used to the T2 treadmill."
Elastic straps over the shoulders and round the waist will keep Major Peake in contact with the running belt of the treadmill, located in the station's Tranquility Node. Elastic straps over the shoulders and round the waist keep Major Peake in contact with the running belt of the treadmill, located in the station's Tranquility Node.
The straps are designed to generate the foot force necessary to give astronauts' bones and muscles a workout in weightlessness.The straps are designed to generate the foot force necessary to give astronauts' bones and muscles a workout in weightlessness.
He said: "One of the biggest challenges is the harness system. Obviously, my bodyweight has to be firmly attached to the treadmill by this harness, and that can rub on the shoulders and around the waist."He said: "One of the biggest challenges is the harness system. Obviously, my bodyweight has to be firmly attached to the treadmill by this harness, and that can rub on the shoulders and around the waist."
Major Peake said he had already run some half-marathons on the ISS treadmill and longer distances.
The Chichester-born astronaut ran the London Marathon in 1999, finishing in three hours, 18 minutes and 50 seconds.The Chichester-born astronaut ran the London Marathon in 1999, finishing in three hours, 18 minutes and 50 seconds.
But he will not try to beat that time as his medical team wants to ensure he is perfectly healthy for his return to Earth in June.But he will not try to beat that time as his medical team wants to ensure he is perfectly healthy for his return to Earth in June.
The ISS is circling the Earth at a relative velocity of 28,800km/h (17,900mph), so Major Peake is likely to cover about 100,000km (60,000mi) during his run.The ISS is circling the Earth at a relative velocity of 28,800km/h (17,900mph), so Major Peake is likely to cover about 100,000km (60,000mi) during his run.
He said he did not think he would be setting any personal bests, but said he would aim to complete the course in under four hours.He said he did not think he would be setting any personal bests, but said he would aim to complete the course in under four hours.
Major Peake will start running at the same time as the other runners: 10:00 BST on 24 April. Major Peake started at the same time as the other runners: 10:00 BST on 24 April.
Follow Paul on Twitter.Follow Paul on Twitter.