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Marathon weather may break record Runners swelter in marathon heat
(about 1 hour later)
The largest field ever assembled must overcome soaring temperatures to complete Sunday's London Marathon. The largest field of runners ever have sweltered in soaring temperatures to complete the London Marathon.
The weather forecast for the 36,500 runners is sunny and 23C, which could break the 21C record of 1996. At midday, temperatures for the 36,500 hit 21C, equalling the record of 1996, but were forecast to rise to 23C later.
London Marathon chief executive Nick Bitel said: "It's sensible for the runners to look at the weather conditions and adjust their own goals." Runners were advised to adjust their goals in the heat, but St John Ambulance reported a "high" number of runners collapsing on the finish line.
Seamus Kelly, of the first aid charity, said they were being treated and there was "nothing of particular concern".
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, 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.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 Wacky London racers We will make this as safe as is humanly possible, and we expect to have a great day Nick BitelLondon Marathon Wacky London racers
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.
Kenya's Martin Lel has won the men's race in an upset for favourites Haile Gebrselassie and reigning world marathon record holder Paul Tergat.Kenya's Martin Lel has won the men's race in an upset for favourites Haile Gebrselassie and reigning world marathon record holder Paul Tergat.
The UK's number one Jon Brown withdrew because of sickness.The UK's number one Jon Brown withdrew because of sickness.
Favourite Chunxiu Zhou from China has won the women's race while Briton Dave Weir has retained his wheelchair title.Favourite Chunxiu Zhou from China has won the women's race while Briton Dave Weir has retained 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." Earlier, London Marathon chief executive Nick 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". Organisers 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.
"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. Extra doctors were also been drafted in, organiser Dave Bedford said.
Runners were advised to drink water frequentlyRunners were advised to drink water frequently
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. Dr Sanjay Sharman, the marathon's medical director, advised runners to take frequent mouthfuls of water and to use the run-through showers to stay cool.
Extra doctors have also been drafted in, organiser Dave Bedford said. BBC weather forecaster Alex Deakin said temperatures were expected to peak later in the afternoon at 23C, meaning some of the slowest runners may be worst affected.
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.
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.
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