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Marathon weather to equal record Marathon weather to equal record
(about 10 hours later)
The largest field ever assembled must overcome record temperatures to complete Sunday's London Marathon.The largest field ever assembled must overcome record temperatures to complete Sunday's London Marathon.
The weather forecast for the 36,500 runners is sunny and 21C, which would equal the record of 1996, said London Marathon chief executive Nick Bitel.The weather forecast for the 36,500 runners is sunny and 21C, which would equal the record of 1996, said London Marathon chief executive Nick Bitel.
He said: "It's sensible for the runners to look at the weather conditions and adjust their own goals."He said: "It's sensible for the runners to look at the weather conditions and adjust their own goals."
EastEnders star Kara Tointon and model Nell McAndrew are two of the famous faces hoping to complete the 26 miles.EastEnders star Kara Tointon and model Nell McAndrew are two of the famous faces hoping to complete the 26 miles.
Mother-of-one McAndrew, 33, will be running with her own mother, Nancy, 54, while Tointon, 23, who plays ex-barmaid Dawn Swann in Albert Square, will be joined by EastEnders co-star Kellie Shirley, 25.Mother-of-one McAndrew, 33, will be running with her own mother, Nancy, 54, while Tointon, 23, who plays ex-barmaid Dawn Swann in Albert Square, will be joined by EastEnders co-star Kellie Shirley, 25.
We will make this as safe as is humanly possible, and we expect to have a great day Nick BitelLondon Marathon Stars renew marathon rivalry We will make this as safe as is humanly possible, and we expect to have a great day Nick BitelLondon Marathon Stars renew marathon rivalry
Other competitors include rugby star Matt Dawson, Olympic hurdle champion Sally Gunnell and wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan.Other competitors include rugby star Matt Dawson, Olympic hurdle champion Sally Gunnell and wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan.
Haile Gebrselassie heads one of the strongest men's field ever assembled, including reigning world marathon record holder Paul Tergat and the UK's Jon Brown.Haile Gebrselassie heads one of the strongest men's field ever assembled, including reigning world marathon record holder Paul Tergat and the UK's Jon Brown.
China's Chunxiu Zhou is favourite to win the women's race and Briton Dave Weir is hoping to retain his wheelchair title.China's Chunxiu Zhou is favourite to win the women's race and Briton Dave Weir is hoping to retain his wheelchair title.
100 doctors MEDICAL ADVICE FOR RUNNERS Drink up to half a pint of water half an hour before the startOnly take water if you need a drinkUse the run-through showersTake frequent mouthfuls of waterSource: Runners' medical resource website
Organisers said the best medical attention is available to deal with any casualties in the high temperatures.Organisers said the best medical attention is available to deal with any casualties in the high temperatures.
It will be Adepitan's first marathon
Mr Bitel said: "We're putting out over 1,300 first aid volunteers from St John Ambulance, over 100 doctors on the course, some of the world's leading medical experts are here to help, including from places as far afield as South Africa and America."Mr Bitel said: "We're putting out over 1,300 first aid volunteers from St John Ambulance, over 100 doctors on the course, some of the world's leading medical experts are here to help, including from places as far afield as South Africa and America."
He said runners going for a personal best should "ease off a little and be sensible".He said runners going for a personal best should "ease off a little and be sensible".
"Certainly, from our point of view, we will make this as safe as is humanly possible, and we expect to have a great day," he added."Certainly, from our point of view, we will make this as safe as is humanly possible, and we expect to have a great day," he added.
It will be Adepitan's first marathon
Organisers have added an extra 2,600 bottles of water to the normal stock of 25,000 bottles at each station to help runners deal with high temperatures.
Dr Sanjay Sharman, the marathon's medical director, is advising runners to take frequent mouthfuls of water and to use the run-through showers to stay cool.
Last year Big Brother star Jade Goody failed to complete the course after admitting doing no training.Last year Big Brother star Jade Goody failed to complete the course after admitting doing no training.
Firefighter Garry Speakman, from Manchester, is hoping to break the record for the fastest marathon in full fire uniform.Firefighter Garry Speakman, from Manchester, is hoping to break the record for the fastest marathon in full fire uniform.
And Londoner Angus MacFadyen aims to take the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon on crutches.And Londoner Angus MacFadyen aims to take the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon on crutches.