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Marathon weather to equal record Marathon weather may break record
(40 minutes later)
The largest field ever assembled must overcome soaring temperatures to complete Sunday's London Marathon.The largest field ever assembled must overcome soaring temperatures to complete Sunday's London Marathon.
The weather forecast for the 36,500 runners is sunny and 23C, 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 23C, which could break the 21C record of 1996.
He said: "It's sensible for the runners to look at the weather conditions and adjust their own goals." London Marathon chief executive Nick Bitel 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, is running with her own mother, Nancy, 54, while Tointon, 23, who plays ex-barmaid Dawn Swann in Albert Square, is 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 Ill Brown pulls out We will make this as safe as is humanly possible, and we expect to have a great day Nick BitelLondon Marathon Ill Brown pulls out
Other competitors include rugby star Matt Dawson, former Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, Olympic hurdle champion Sally Gunnell and wheelchair basketball player Ade Adepitan.Other competitors include rugby star Matt Dawson, former Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, 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.
The UK's number one Jon Brown has withdrawn because of sickness.
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.
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 websiteMEDICAL 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.
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 marathonIt will be Adepitan's first marathon
Organisers have installed four run-through showers along the route and 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.Organisers have installed four run-through showers along the route and 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.
Extra doctors have also been drafted in, organiser Dave Bedford said.Extra doctors have also been drafted in, organiser Dave Bedford said.
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.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.
The London Marathon will be live on BBC1 from 0830 BST on Sunday 22 April, on BBC Five Live from 0900 and on the BBC Sport website.The London Marathon will be live on BBC1 from 0830 BST on Sunday 22 April, on BBC Five Live from 0900 and on the BBC Sport website.
There will be a fully interactive service on BBCi and highlights on BBC2 from 1810 to 1900.There will be a fully interactive service on BBCi and highlights on BBC2 from 1810 to 1900.
There are 36,500 people running in the London Marathon. Will you be watching? Send us your photos of the Marathon.There are 36,500 people running in the London Marathon. Will you be watching? Send us your photos of the Marathon.
You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100. You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100.
Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and videoClick here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video