Part 1 London Marathon

London. The hand of friendship after 26 miles. A sight to behold. It's

every single year. The warmest of welcomes to you this beautiful

Sunday morning. That music will have signified one thing - it's London

Marathon Day. The most inspiring day in the British sporting calendar.

The day you sit back and be amazed, amazed at how fast the elite runners

go and it's mind-blowing. The truth be told, it's the slow ones that

capture our imagination. Their stories behind those brutal 26-2

miles. Plumbers, doctors, nurses and accountants. The list goes on and

on, but today they all have to share top billing, because Britain's

greatest-ever distance runner is taking on Britain's greatest

distance race. I'm Mo Farah. This will be my first marathon. I'm

Victoria Paul. Tracey Jones. Kate Smith. Debbie Clarke. My number is

53. 1496. 18,000. 31... 553. I'm sorry! This is my first marathon.

This is my first. And my last. It's my first because I've only just

turned 18. I'm 78. I ran my first in 1985. This is my first. Second.

Third. Sixth. Tenth. 17th London Marathon. I've never run before. My

aim is to go for the British record. Running barefoot. I want to complete

it without hurting my feet. My aim is to finish without walking. Not

overtaken by a dinosaur. I'm a bit slower. Jiesh sensible. My aim is to

finish. This is my last time and I'm hoping to get under five hours. Four

hours 45. Under three-and-a-half hours. Hopefully 3. 50. My aim is to

finish. Before they pack everything away. I'm running for the pure joy.

Just give us a cheer. This is for my mum and dad. I'll see you at the

finish line. Can't wait. Cut it. What a day in prospect. The 2014

Virgin Money London Marathon. Lots of preparations. Huge sacrifices by

professional and amateur runners alike and this is the scene live

here at the start in black heath. A mixture of anticipation of fear and

in some courses -- quarters even terror as the moment of truth ticks

ever closer. The marathon experience for many hits home when they pick up

their numbers and officially register. This was the scene

earlier. Thousands getting ready. No formalities for the best and Mo

Farah will run. His journey into the Euan none in 90 minutes. What should

we expect from the double Olympic and world champion? Does that

success on the track transfer to glory on the road and what of his

most recent race where he collapsed shortly after the New York City half

marathon. That was only a month ago. So many questions. That's without

mentioning his competitors today. One of the strongest marathon fields

ever assembled. It's a mouth-watering prospect and that

men's race and the masses behind is on at 10.00. Then wheelchairs at

9.00. David Weir and Shelley Woods in action.

That is what the runners have got in store. Although it's slightly chilly

it warms up throughout the day and some of the later starters, perhaps

it's getting a little too warm. A beautiful day for watching. What a

day of race ing in prospect. Beautiful weather. It will be nail

biting. Edge-of-the-seat stuff right from the very start. The start is

being performed by two champions in the double skulls, Katherine

Grainger and Anna Watkins. Good morning. What a great honour.

Absolutely. Bit of a surprise. Didn't think - running the first is

a bit of a shock, starting it was a real massive honour, but didn't

expect it. Anna, your mindset for running this marathon, you you're

used to winning -- you're used to winning, so how do you approach

this? Rowers aren't run for -- built for running marathons. A few have

done it before, so we have no excuse. We have to get round. Maybe

some other mental toughness might help. I think we'll need it We are

looking forward to the atmosphere and getting out there. Remarkable

atmosphere. Who are you running for? International inspiration, which is

part of the legacy charity that sprung up after 2012. I'm running

for McMillan, who have nearly 1,000 runners here. Any thoughts on Mo?

He's a legend. We don't expect to see any of him. Just his back. To

get the British record would be a sense. It has been a 30-year record

holding that. He has the whole nation behind him. Good luck. Enjoy

it. 26.2 miles ahead, along the famous streets of London and past

the landmarks and this year we have more cameras than ever before to

bring you all the stories and actions of marathon day. The cute

Sark will be the first milestone: That will be a welcome sight as will

Tower Bridge be. Cunningly placed at all most half way. That is 13.1

miles. From the ancient to the modern. At 18 miles it's Canary

Wharf, and when they reach Big Ben it's almost in sight across St

James' Park with Buckingham Palace and the Mall being the most dramatic

end point you could hope for. That's what's in store and we would love

you to be part of the day, even just kicking back on your sofa. Text us:

Do you expect Mo Farah to win? Get in touch. It's tantalising stuff

today. And with all the activity and all the people running, do they want

to make you start running, then go to the website and follow the links.

So, Mo Farah's time is 10.00 and it's with the messes and Helen

Skelton is there. She is running. She is going to be the highlights

programme and she is also reporting here at the start. She is in

Greenwich Park. Helen is standing by now. Helen, are you mad? I think

there's a bite of naivety in there. I have done this race before. I know

how hard it is but I also know how great the atmosphere is. It's such a

humbling day, that if you are lucky enough to get a place you have to go

for it. I know it's going to be slow, but I'll get there. Give us a

flavour of what it feels like out there, with everybody getting ready

behind you. There's such a positive, lovely optimistic atmosphere. They

might be a little naive too. Everybody is expectant. Nervous, but

also a bit giddy on amount of Jelly Babies and sugar they are shovelling

in. That is definitely a good idea. Good luck to you. I think you're

going to need it. You are going to be a very busy girl that's for sure.

Lots of action going on here today. Lots of entertainment for the

runners and this is Stomp, the world-famous band, who started in

Brighton. They've gone worldwide and they are getting everybody in the

mood here. Colin Jackson is also here. He'll have a busy day. He'll

be on Horse Guards Parade. Over to you. We are outside the men's tent

here. There's a lot of tension. Shall we go and have a nose? We

won't interfere. As you can see, the gentlemen are all preparing. Lots of

activity. People strepG. People talking. Keeping themselves relaxed

for the challenge ahead. There is Chris. Are you well? All the best.

Chris Thompson, one of our great runners. He's on a debut. Some of

the guys are just gathering themselves. There is Haile

Gebrselassie, who will be pace making. He seems very cool and calm.

Enjoyed the whole atmosphere. Well, we'll see if he enjoys it later on

too. All the best, guys. Thank you, Colin. Helen may be doing the

marathon, but Colin will never be doing it. Helen's thoughts as well

as thousands of others will be on the finish at the Mall. It's one of

the post breath-taking finishes to any marathon anywhere in the world

and our team is based there. Steve Cram is there. We can head over

there now to have a chat about mow's marathon -- Mo's marathon debut. I'm

just so excited. How do you feel ahead of his first March than? --

marathon? Full of anticipation. We hope it's going to be a great

dayment one thing you can say, he's going to get incredible support out

there. What happens in the race though is something I think we can

only wait and see. He's as well prepared as he want to be, I think.

But the marathon is always an unpredictable aevent. He's the best

athlete we have ever seen in Britain and he's moved up to the marathon,

we all know that even the best don't manage to contend with what is

always a difficult event. A couple of perhaps sort of criticisms about

him running this marathon - first, that he's running against a very

fast field. You take the fact he ran in New York a month ago and how that

will affect hum? Yeah. I think he didn't really have too many options,

because if he's going to run the first marathon it had to be here in

London and London pride themselves on putting a good field together. He

knew what he was taking on. The New York thing, I think obviously it

wasn't an ideal preparation and I think his camp probably with

hindsight would they might have picked a better option. He had a

chance to run in Lisbon. It was freezing cold in New York. He came

down from Kenya. That fall completely messed up the race plans

and didn't go to plan as it were and he had to go back and regather

himself for London. I think there was maybe a little too much made of

it. We have seen him in conditions like that and not feeling too good

at the end of the race, so I think a lot of people perhaps who don't know

him very well and certainly the media and public were shocked, but

the camp weren't so worried. I would be surprised if any of the elite

runners have had ideal preparation. He described it as one or two

hiccoughs. You get one or two issues, but let's hope it doesn't

affect him too much. Do you think it's slightly taken him by surprise

how tough it has been to get ready for this event? Well, look, training

for the marathon is obviously tough, but he's a 10,000 and 5,000 metre

runner. I spoke to him the other day and he said he was very, very tired,

the volume of work he's had to put in and to be fair, the first hurdle

that he had to overcome was actually be here, because if you are going to

emback on the training and he's had an incredibly busy last three years

on the track, a lot of people don't get to the start line. And I guess

from now on he's got to go out there and show himself and the rest of us

what he can do. Don't forget this for him is a race where he's

actually looking to the future. This is about deciding what he's going to

do over the next couple of years, particularly looking forward to Rio,

so today it's not just about today, it's about how he performs here and

what that will - what that information will give him and in

terms of deciding what he zn in the next Olympics. -- does in the next

Olympics. Steve, thank you. Lots more from Steve and the team during

the course of this morning. Month Farrow going -- Mo Farah going for

the British record. Helen has news of another record attempt.

aiming to be the fastest siblings. We want to do it in two and a half

hours. We're hoping for the best conditions on day. Are you

confident? I am, it is just a question of seeing how it goes.

Thank you to the local DJ who played that June to spur you on. And you

have a younger sister? She is watching at home! Named and shamed!

Good luck to you, I hope you do well.

From sisters are now two team-mates. Paralympic legend. And

you held the flag in Athens. Danny, the marathon not really your bag?

You are solidly built. It was a tough day when I did it in 2012 but

I'm looking forward to it. You are a longer distance runner, this is more

in your territory. So no excuses! It has been ten years since then but it

is an amazing day. And raising funds for British Blind sport. And Danny,

who are you running for? Sport aid. Helping people through in their

transition period. It is an important jump from junior to

senior. Hopefully we will get the next generation on the podium. And a

quick word on Mo Farah. How do you think he will go. It will be tough.

It is the greatest field of elite marathon runners ever assembled.

Mechanically, whether his legs will make that transition. But the entire

British population are on his side. Have a good one guys. And there are

IPC Paralympic races running today. David Weir is hoping for a seventh

win here today. He has one six London Marathon 's and six world

titles. He came fifth here last year and says he has got his hunger back.

Marcel Hug dominated the IPC World Championships last summer with five

gold medals including the marathon. He has finished second three times

here in recent years. Canadian Josh Cassidy won the London Marathon in

2010 but had his chances launched last year through a collision. He is

back and hoping for a crash free path this year. Tatyana McFadden is

the stellar force in the women's's wheelchair racing. She also

triumphed in Boston, Chicago and New York. She got a silver at the Winter

Paralympics in cross country skiing. The capital has been kind to Shelly

Woods from black hole. She has twice won the London Marathon. And she

took silver in the Paralympic Games. -- from Blackpool.

Well there are many ways to get ready for the marathon. Conserving

energy and listening to music probably the best one. It is going

to be a very busy day ahead for tens of thousands. We focus now on those

wheelchair racers of very shortly. Dame tanee grey Thompson is standing

by. She is going to be commentating alongside Rob Walker. You have won

this marathon six times. Do you think Dave we can do it. I think he

is in with a really good shot. He has had a good winter of

preparation. And all the guys will be watching him. A lot of the

athletes especially Marcel Hug completely changed their tactics

when David Weir is in the race. I think he will take early control and

put his stamp on the race. Tatyana McFadden is fresh from Sochi where

she took silver medal in the cross country. What kind of athlete is

she, because you have raced against her. She is amazing. She was at her

first Olympic Games at aged 15 and she is now just taking marathons by

storm. There are emotional reasons why she wanted to compete in Sochi

because it is her birthplace. But there are quite a number of

wheelchair athletes having jumped between the cross country skiing and

the wheelchair racing. Because the position is quite similar. She was

playing down her chances earlier this week but I think she is one to

watch. And there are also three athletes from the University of

Illinois where she trains so there could be some team racing there. You

have got Shelley and Jade Jones from the British perspective. Jade Jones

making her marathon debut. Shelley has had a tough couple of years. She

reached her personal best a couple of weeks ago in this bomb. She has

always been very strong. But her best chances when she is out on her

own. And Jade Jones, 18, her first marathon and the one for her debut.

She said such a strong winter. If she can stay with the lead pack

until halfway that will be good. She could hang in there a bit longer but

we are probably hoping for a top ten finish for J Jones. And you concede

that the wheelchair racers are out. Tatyana McFadden looking to defend

her title in London. Good morning to Rob. Good morning. A fabulous day

here. Glorious sunshine. Scarcely a breath of wind. And we are a super

excited about Mo Farah and Tirunesh Dibaba making her debut on the

marathon. But we have brilliant wheelchair racers as well. There is

Tatyana McFadden left of picture. Plenty of people there ready to

support Paralympic sport taking such a big step forward. A couple of

summers ago. And Tatyana McFadden was one of the stars in Stratford.

She got that magnificent silver in the snow of Sochi just last month. I

was there for that race and it was an incredible moment afford Tatyana

McFadden. Adopted from a Russian orphanage. A very emotional day for

her. Shelly Woods just towards the right of picture. Jeff Wightman the

man on the tannoy just giving Tatiana McFadden her introduction to

the thousands gathered. Shelly Woods, a year to forget last year.

She was ill, she lost funding. But she is here and ready to bounce back

in style. Marcel Hug, the silver bullet. With that distinct

differential helmet. He capitalised on the absence of David Weir last

year but can he hold his nerve now that the man is back. Josh Cassidy,

we saw the images of his crash. Unfinished business here. And he has

won it before. But the fellow with the big shoulders and the four gold

medals from London is back. Listen to the reception for David Weir. He

sat at home and watched last year in Lyon and said he was reinvigorated

and ready to go. And he is going for the magnificent seven. You are tied

for the record on six. And you would not be too upset if that record went

to a man of the calibre of David Weir. I would be very happy for Dave

to take that record. If I was still competing I would like to have

another shot at it. But Dave is the one to watch in this race. He is

going to have to take control in the first few miles and be really

careful in terms of staying out of trouble. Actually at the moment the

pace is a little bit slow. Ernst van Dyk there. And this bunching

together at the start. But the pace is a little bit slow. It is downhill

so normally it is quite quick but everyone wants to stay out of

trouble. The interesting thing is going to be what do the rest of the

field do. They will be aware that David is back. He is arguably the

man to beat. Do they tried to go aggressive, do they change tactics,

or do they believe that they can challenge they've come the closing

stages. Marcel Hug races differently depending on whether David Weir is

there or not. He tends to watch for his reaction. And try to respond to

him. Marcel Hug deciding the pace was not as quick as he wanted. He

has looked back and seeing how many men are in the lead pack. They want

to try to string out the race a little. But Dave can win the race

almost however he wants. He's good watching reactions and has a very

fast pick-up. So you will need a couple of guys working together to

make it hard for him. The very early stages, just tucking in. And the

first few miles are downhill in London. It is easy to overcook in

the early stages whether you are able-bodied or in a wheelchair.

Glorious sunshine and great news for Paralympic athletics that David Weir

is back and feels as though he is able to carry on to real. Well ahead

of the race we grabbed the word with the man hoping to make London

Marathon history today in the sunshine. I still have goals but I

want to achieve. It is getting tougher each year. The nations are

getting more money and getting well equipped with technology and it is

getting tougher. And I'm not getting any younger. He may not be getting

any younger, but there still a of life left in those powerful

shoulders. -- a lot. It was a tough summer for him last year just

sitting home and watching but he has decided he is ready to carry on. He

is exactly where he wants to be at the moment. They are strung out in

single file. The first mile is complete. Dave Wear, Ernst van Dyk

all the big names out there. It will be interesting to see if Marcel Hug

tries something a bit on usual. He is happy to sit on the back of the

pack at the moment. So long to go for those guys. We now return to the

start. And the next set of IPC racers. The IPC athletics marathon

World Cup taking place for the second time. We have some really

good visually impaired athletes. London is the only big-city marathon

that offers these athletes the opportunity to compete here. These

fields may not seem as large as -- and competitive but it is a great

step forward for Paralympic athletics that these guys are here

and part of such a big, famous occasion. So we have visually

impaired athletes running with their guides. And they are out onto the

course. In this crisp spring sunshine. Some very good athletes.

And a certain Richard Whitehead just out of shot. He runs with the

straight prosthetics and he's in a category of his own. He did 40

marathons in 40 days last year and he's here as a little bit of a thank

you. He's concentrating on the 200s because he can't run a marathon in

the paralympics, so we are out on the course and another hero from two

summers ago. Richard white head waving to the crowd. He does that

famous two-gun salute and he promised me despite he's got a cold

and running well outside three hours, the big guns will be being

flexed around all the famous landmarks of London. And Tanni,

great to see Richard here and also brilliant for these high-class

visually impaired athletes to get an opportunity to compete here on the

roads with the likes of mo? Mo? It's the only big-city marathon here

and it's quite important for them, especially for the athletes running

with the guide, to have the open running space that they do. If they

are put in the main field it's a real struggle for them, so I think

it's great that London's doing so much for disability sport in this

way. The last of the line-ups. The women's visually impaired. Should be

coming home just around three hours, maybe 3.10. The second group of

World Cup athletes are out on the course and we return our attention

to the elite wheelchairs and still Great Britain's Dave Weir just

tucking in, in second place. Quite happy to let the rest just watch and

wait. He sits up, Dave Weir. Looks around. I'm not sure you can read

too much into the body language in the early stages, but he looks so,

so comfortable and confident and above all, completely relaxed. He's

looking great at the moment and Dave Weir tries to stay out of trouble.

He might not want to do too much in the early couple of miles in terms

of taking the lead and it's like cycling, in terms of drafting, he'll

be in advantage sitting behind the ones in front. He's conscious of the

big pack of guys there and as you go later in the race, you come around

some of the roundabouts the wrong way near Shooters Hill, you want to

stay out of trouble. Yamamoto was trying to take it out. Josh Cassidy

is there. He put a kick in and it looks here like the leader, Dave

weir, to make the chase that nobody wants to work too hard. Sometimes

with wheelchair races you see one or two athletes having a probe off the

front and the gruB regather. Is that a definitive move from Cassidy or is

he stretching and letting Dave Weir know that he is here with intent?

He's testing the course. It has taken a few breaks and you can see

the difference between David Weir on left, how much gap they are taking.

You can take a two or three-second gap just to build up a bit of speed,

but this is the part of the course where they want to stay out of

trouble. Dave needs to be at the front. Dave Weir is at the front.

Cassidy in hot pursuit. Much more drama to come from the elite men's

race. We shall keep you posted. Thank you, Rob and Tanni. You can

watch coverage of the elite races on the red button. Don't forget to be

in touch. Text us: Two people who have been inspired

and who have inspired us journalist, Lucy Siegle and my favourite TV

chef, I'm geeing to say it, Michel Roux junior. Lucy, first marathon.

Yes. I'm both excited and terrified. It's a weird mix of emotions. How is

the training? Patchy. You haven't done very much? I tried. It depends

on the day and mood and so many things. I've had so much brilliant

advice. Mainly about pace. Don't go too fast. Exactly. This man, you

have done how many now? This is my 13th lon and 20th marathon in total.

Wow. Pace. Go easy. In terms of your shape this year? Terrible.

Absolutely terrible. I'm in pain before I start, so I think there

will be a lot of walking involved. Just a quick word on your charities.

Anthony Nolan, they basically are famous for running the bone marrow

register in the UK and curing blood cancer, so so direct, so they want

10,000 more donors and the money will pay for those, such a direct

way of supporting a charity. For me it's Visually impaired children

taking action. Helping blind or partially excite children getting

into sporting activity. I'll see you both at the finish, but I'm getting

a car. Over to Helen. I was going to talk to people for a distraction.

You, however, are going to crochet your way around? Yes. I like to

multi-task. This is industrial. Which world record are you going

for? Longest chain whilst doing a marathon. Have you done it before?

Yes. I set the record at 77. # metres in 2010. Well done. What

would your mum make at this. She would laugh her head off. I use this

to explain how dimen sha affects the brain and I'm doing this to join

everybody together who is suffering with dementia and their carers. Good

luck. What would she make of our friend Luke here? Luke, you are

running barefoot, why? For the WWF charity. I'm part of Team Panda. We

are 125 runners, running to save the rain forest. What do the pandas want

you to run barefoot? It's not for that, we are trying to raise

awareness. You have been training. They are pretty weathered, it's fair

to say. Without being rude, the front of your feet look misshapen,

is that a running thing? Is that a natural deformity. That is hour they

are. Does it hurt? Yeah. This 26 miles will be particularly painful

for you. Yeah, it should be, but it will be OK. I've done a lot of

training. I did a 30 kilometre run in training. I know lots of people

will be in awe of you, so all the very best and good luck to your

feet. Thank you. They are not deformed. They're gorgeous. If you

like that kind of thing. Good luck to his feet indeed. We'll focus on

the women's elite and just like the men there is a track superstar

making her debut. Jepkoech Jessica Chapman -- Priscah Jeptoo is the

current champion. She was third in the spring of 2012, before taking a

silver medal in the summer at the London Games. She is also the New

York marathon champion. Two Kiplagats carry Kenyan hopes here.

Florence is the half marathon world record holder and she was fourth in

London a year ago. Edna, who is no relation, has been runner up here

the last two years. Last summer, Edna became the first woman to

successfully depend the world marathon championship title. What of

the Ethiopians? Tiki Gelana won in 212, but -- 2012, but was in a sliGS

last year and did well to finish at all in 16th. She is the fastest in

the women's field today. Then there is Tirunesh Dibaba. There's a

advantage point to watch the race. The cable cars looking absolutely

wonderful in the sunshine here and it's going to be a beautiful day all

the way through for the marathon runners and we are in great

anticipation ahead of the women's race too. Paula Radcliffe is

standing by on the Mall. Paula is the world marathon record holder and

Paula, obviously excited about Mo, but what about Tirunesh Dibaba? We

expected to see her last year and great to see her this year? It is

exciting for us on both sides, with two track superstars coming into the

marathon and the anticipation to seeious exactly how they are going

to fair. On the Ethiopian side, we have the unknown quality with Tiki

Gelana, who is the Olympic champion, but who had the accident last year

and didn't run as well as she wanted to, but then later also dropped out

of the World Championship marathon in Moscow. Not a lot known about how

she is going in the -- and the shape she is in. She has been training

away in Ethiopia, so we don't know about how she and Tirunesh Dibaba

will run. We saw Tirunesh Dibaba rub in the -- run in Great North Run and

probably didn't impress as many thought she might do there. It will

be interesting to see how she goes today. Paula, you have made the

transition, how tough is it? For me, personally, I think the road was

something that I always loved. I always felt very at home. I never

had in my mind it was going to be a transition. It was just running. It

was running on the track or cross-country or on the road. I

think my style though was suited to road running. My mental style of

racing was also suited so I didn't see it as a big transition. If you

are known as a racer on the track and have that finish and have that

style that maybe works better on the track, then do you have to think

about changing something when you come to the roads or is it about

changing your outlook? We'll see some answers to those questions

today. Traditionally some people have taken time to make that

transition and I'm thinking of Haile Gebrselassie. Then other people made

that transition more easily. It just does depend on the runner and on

your first marathon. Paula, thank you. You better hot-foot it to the

commentary box to join Steve. Good morning to Brendan. I know you've

been excited about Mo and you are close to him. We'll hand over to the

guys now for the start of this women's elite race and Tirunesh

Dibaba, running in her first marathon. Thank you, Jonathan. As

you said, Mo and the other 36,000 in about 45 minutes or a little bit

more than that, but before that a fantastic women's line-up here,

including Tirunesh Dibaba. We'll introduce them to you. This is Tiki

Gelana, the Ethiopian record holder and she will be hoping to hang on to

that today, but more importantly she is the reigning Olympic champion.

Won it in the pouring rain. We saw her with that accident last year and

she will be hoping for a smoother run today. What do we have in store

from Tirunesh Dibaba? Three times Olympic champion and it's her

first-ever marathon. Defended her World Championship brilliantly in

Moscow last year, Edna Kiplagat of Kenya. She will be tough today, as

ever. And what can Florence Kiplagat do? Recurrently became the world

record holder for the half marathon and that's always a good indication.

Somebody who many people think could run very, very quick here. Perhaps

the favourite Priscah Jeptoo. The defend champion and Olympic silver

medallist in the form of her life. Those are the main contenders. There

is the full start list for you. One or two others to watch out for.

Jessica Augusto will be hoping to do the best for the Europeans. Not too

many British athletes. Emma Stepto will be there and Amy white head.

There they are and Tirunesh Dibaba, so many people around the world and

it's not just Mo Farah they're waiting to see. They want to see how

good can that brilliant champion of the track, how good can she be in

the marathon. The elite women under way. Perfect

conditions. The sun shining, a slight breeze. The temperature

around nine or 10 degrees at the start. And the London Marathon this

year, a grandstand and it at the start to create a bit of atmosphere.

But I'm not sure they need to create any atmosphere in London. And the

elite women have the roads to themselves. Good morning, Brendan.

We are all looking forward to Mo Farah but this race alone would be

intriguing enough. It is great to see. The field we have assembled

here in this women's race. We have reigning Olympic champion. And the

world champion. The world was country champion. And the champion

from last year. That is an incredible line-up and this will be

a fascinating race. The pacemakers are off. The rest of the field have

to make the decision whether to go with the pacemakers. This is a race

in the true sense. Paula, you will be sitting there with a sense of

anticipation are perhaps trepidation. We have athletes in

this race who certainly can run under 220. Do you think the women

here are in the right kind of shape to do that. I do think there is the

quality in the field here to go well under 220. And to come close to the

course records. The conditions are perfect. Really beautiful conditions

and the streets of London looking good and ready to welcome some fast

running. The women here today not quite so keen to go with the

pacemakers. You sort Florence Kiplagat coming out there and just a

month or so ago she took the race. One of her training partners is the

pacemaker. But at the moment they are just letting that gap open up.

Just giving themselves the chance to see how they are feeling and what

they want to do. You cannot just have one athletes going with the

pacemakers, they need to do it jointly. You can't go on your own.

Just put your head down and go. I think it depends on what you're

looking to get out of the race. Whether they feel they are going to

attack the time. And then from the beginning you go for it. But if you

are looking to win the race and want to be sure given the quality of the

athletes around you. Then you go for it. Elite wheelchair athletes just

going round the Cutty Sark. Marcel Hug and David Weir had a little girl

at the front and then were happy to let the rest of them rejoin. The

Spaniard Jim and as leading at the minute. -- Jimenez. It is a

fantastic section of the course. The wall of noise is really good. You're

still feeling good. It is a great part of the course and just one of a

number of great London landmarks. A little girl off the front from David

Weir. But quite happy to be back in the pack. A little cagey in these

early exchanges. Plenty more to come. Already at Cutty Sark. The

women just getting warmed up. And further back down the course as they

approached the second mile or so, it is an odd start in the London

Marathon because the first few miles they have to wait and not panic too

much because the pace goes up and down. The pack at all together now.

I have been down here all week. There has been so much chat about

what could happen, what might happen. And I think Mo Farah and

Tirunesh Dibaba have caused that. What do we think the winning time

might be is always the chat. But I have never known so much intrigue

around both races. Which is a good thing. Interestingly it is that

anticipation and this year they have managed to create tremendous

anticipation for this race. Sport is about anticipating. Turn up and

watch it right from the start is the answer to that. There are already

some indicators that the athletes are running together. And quite

happy to let the champion lead them along. Priscah Jeptoo. When they are

are all around you, there is safety in numbers.

An interesting early break away in this wheelchair race. The gap was

larger than it currently appears. The rest of the pack have now closed

the gap. And for people watching wheelchair racing for the first or

second time, we do see more probes off the front in wheelchair races

then you would expect with the elite women able-bodied. It is a bit more

like cycling so you're trying to take some speed out of people. It is

very much like the coalition in cycling. -- the peloton. I think

people are just trying to make it hard for Dave at this point but he

has been smart, not chasing down the pack and letting other people take

the lead. Marcel Hug and David Weir, just watching them there.

Marcel Hug has gone right back into the pack. Not bothered at all. And

David Weir looking very composed. He has closed the American right down.

It is a beautiful day in London. Big Ben standing resplendent as ever.

Watching the youngsters taking part in the mini marathon. All the

different colours to note the different age groups. Most of the

older ones have already finished. And what a day for them. Big crowds

down on the embankment. Getting their chance to sample the

atmosphere and said that they run on the same roads is their heroes. And

so many of our current champions started their careers with this

race. Finishing their just inside 16 minutes. Mo Farah has also run the

mini marathon and gone on to great things. So we are back with the

women. And the pacemakers, we think about seven or eight seconds at

least ahead of this group. They have been given a job to do. Florence

could look at just looking across their two Edna Kibler get, asking

what they are doing, just staying back there or going ahead. The plans

have gone up the window. I have been in situations for example in New

York where the wind is strong and you're falling off pace at the

beginning. But here they have perfect conditions and they need to

make a decision now. If time is coming into the equation or if they

are just going to be racing. In marathons you do not raise a lot

coming in. They're running around 530 pace and just taking their time

to see exactly, there is some fear from the Kenyans about the kind of

shape that Tirunesh Dibaba is in. Trying to work it out. The elite

women and elite men have a lot of interest for big athletics fans. If

you want to stay with the elite women we have coverage of that all

the way through on the red button. The same with the elite men as

well. But here on BBC One we will try to give you the whole flavour of

what the London Marathon is about including the elite races. The

London skyline looking resplendent. A mixture of the ancient and modern.

We always talk about how difficult the marathon is. But for my next

guest I expected to be a walk in the park. You have gone to the south

pole, guys. Are you going to take this easy? This is running with the

wounded and I think it is going to be harder. I was with Prince Harry

this week. He went to the South Pole with you guys. Add he said you did

note training apart from sleeping in a tent! ! We are a charity

supporting the wounded back into work. We do these expeditions to

show how remarkable these men and women are. Dominic was good to be

with, he did all the cooking in the South Pole. Ivan, you are completely

blind. How difficult was it for you across that to rain. We had high

wind and it was just pretty tough. But with the help of the team we

adapted and overcame. We just took guard time and skied through it. --

took our time. It was a race to the South Pole. We are settling scores

today! I was in the Commonwealth team and the UK keeps saying that

they won. Maybe we will settle the score today. With Prince on your

team you have to say that you one! Weird go to hell and now. She has

also been to the South Pole. -- Helen. CJ, a lot of people know you

from the quiz show eggheads. But your back ground is back in. -- is

acting. Have you had any time to fit in marathon training. My best time

was 316. I was hoping to break 310 this year but then I injured my

foot. I'm not going to beat personal best. We have designed a little quiz

for you. What was the world record time from 2000 for Paula Radcliffe.

Three hours 25. That is amazing! Who won the first London Marathon, men

and women. I have done some research on this! Dick Beardsley. And Joyce

Smith. Who has the course record for the men. Emmanuel Mutai. Two hours

and four minutes and 40 seconds. The ultimate question, what is my middle

name. Lovely. So smooth! All the very best today. Thank you very

much. Impressive knowledge from CJ interest. -- CJ there. Mo Farah in

his first-ever marathon, but out on the roads, it's the women. We'll see

how Tirunesh Dibaba is getting onment back to the commentary team.

-- getting on. Back to the commentary team. We are approaching

three miles. Just beyond actually and we have got a race on here. The

two pacemakers who have been given the job of leading the real eliters,

Kiplagat and Tirunesh Dibaba and others have stuck to their task and

running the pace they're supposed to, but they haven't engaged with

that, but with the help of one of the others who is meant to be

running a little slower they're getting back up to that group. You

see the chatting going on there. Here they are. They've use phase

three to -- pace three to get them back to where they are. Finally,

this race is under way. And that's the five kilometre mark they've just

gone through. You know there is so much talent in the leading group, if

the pacemakers go down the road and the right pace when you look around

and you see the people who have won championships, Olympics and worlds,

one of the great ones of all time, Tirunesh Dibaba, there's definitely

a place for you in that group. You wouldn't want to be out on your own

and leading, because the biggest prize of all is a victory over a

field of such quality as this. Winning it is the first thing. The

time will be secondary and the race doesn't really need to get going

until they get past the half-way point and the pacemakers are doing a

better job, Paula? Yes, they are. They've stuck to the pace and the

first two did do the job they were asked to do over the first couple of

miles. What they didn't do was look around and realise that the pack

wasn't going with them. And I'm not quite sure why the other girls once

they decided wanted to catch up, couldn't use that downhill third

mile and to it on their own, without engaging the help of pace three, who

is supposed to be back with the group further back and running

there. She is done her job and -- has done her job and listened to the

instruction it looked like Florence and Edna Kiplagat. They brought the

pack up. She needs to find the metre she is supposed to be raying. --

racing. The first five kilometres, we are we are talking about the

women-only course record. You went off quicker than that, almost a

minute quicker when you ran 2. 17.42, so the first station. Tiki

Gelana had the collision with Josh Cassidy last year. Hopefully

everybody is safely through that now. Conditions today, we have

mentioned it a couple of times, Paula, when you say perfect,

temperatures will get up to perhaps 15 or 16 and by the time the women

fin we are told - it was chilly. We were standing outside there early

on, but it's the day like this and we don't get too many and it's a

huge opportunity. I'll come back to that shortly. Back to Jonathan.

Coverage continues on the red button. But alongside me now, my two

guests, the stuff of any younger son's fantasy. A Liverpool legend

and a female Game of Thrones star. Both of you running in your first

marathons? First experience. Very nervous. You? Yep. How has training

gone? Good. All right. Yeah. I think training has been fine. Trying to

fit it in in among work has been quite difficult. I got up to 22

miles so I'm confident of a complete, but maybe not a completely

good time. The thing for you, Michael, you were only ever good

over ten yards and then the hamstring went? Give me 20. I have

adapted my muscles from fast to endurance-based muscles, so it's

been tough, but I think I've got there. A word on your charities? I'm

running for Barnardo's. 200,000 young people and families and

children helped by them every year, so proud to be wearing the vest.

Three for me. Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, Manchester Royal Eye Hot

and prostate Cancer UK. Dominic West he turned down Game of Thrones,

apparently. I need to check this rumour. Who would he have been? I

don't think I can say that. We have got plenty more years. He could come

and join us. Will you be back in time for the Liverpool match? That's

the challenge. Good luck to both of you. I'm saying nothing about

Chelsea! We'll head back to the band stand with Helen. This is Jonny and

Sean. They probably look like lots of other runners, nervously lining

up. Their story is slightly different. Look. I'm Jonny and I

live in North Yorkshire and I'm 44 years of age. I lived a perfectly

normal life with my family and Sarah, Jack and Archie. Up until

September 2010 when I was diagnose with leukaemia, AML, which turned

our lives completely upside down. I knew I was relying on someone who I

had never met and I didn't know if they would find a match and it was

hard. It was a really difficult period. I got a letter from Anthony

Nolan and I just knew that this was going to tell me that I was the

match and they wanted me to proceed to final testing and everything.

When the consultant told me they had found a donor. I knew it was me that

was chosen to save this person's life. Life suddenly feels like

living again. There's hope. It's the easiest and best thing I've ever

done in my life and probably the best thing I'll ever do. We can't

wait to just embrace this person and say a huge thank you. Thank you very

much. I don't have to thank me. I wanted to get it out of the way.

It's OK. You've got to meet my family. Wife Sarah. Hello. How

exciting to run the Marathon with the person who saved your life.

Well, it's incredible. You've been through a lot over the last couple

of years. How will this compare and how will you fair doing this? This

is going to be ever bit as tough to be honest, but in a different way.

It's just so good having Sean with me to do this. With the atmosphere

of the day and it will make it a lot easier, but it's going to be hard.

It's an emotional day but especially for you two. Do you think it will

get to you? I think if I do it will be OK because I've got my momentum

next to me. I have to look next to me and what he's been through and

this is a great way so celebrate the last two years and his health and

being friends and everything. It seems like you have formed a bit of

a friendship and you are sharing bags and things like that. An

unusual bond? Yes. It's very difficult to explain, because it's

not something you would ever experience before. When you meet

someone for the first time and you know he saved your life it's a

feeling that I can't really describe. All I can tell you is we

are going to be friends for life now. Your families are both here and

they must be very proud? I hope so. I think my boys and wife are very

proud today. They are all in London to support us and hopefully will see

us at two or three stages around the course and then at the end. After

what you two have already done, I think people will forgive you for

having a pint and a pie? Definitely. A glass of champagne possibly as

well and just the support we have had from everyone has been

unbelievable. Everyone has been saying how proud we should be and I

want to say how easy the whole thing was and I would recommend anyone to

sign up because it's that easy. I know lots of people are proud and

glad that you did. I hope you manage to enjoy it and get around with it a

smile on your face. What a great and moving story. Jonny and Sean, we'll

catch up with them through the race. Stomp are in action. They are

getting everybody in the mood. It really is part of the magic of

London Marathon day. There is nothing quite like it. I remember

David Coleman's words in 1981 in the first one and he said, "I think this

is going to be a massive success." How right he was. Amazing elite

races under way already. We are counting down to the Mo Farah race.

His first-ever Marathon and the anticipation. You can just answer it

and almost taste it. How will our great British champion do? We'll

find out very, very shortly. Back to the wheelchair race. Rob Walker

calling this one. Thank you, Jonathan. We have had a little bit

of cat and mouse, as we approach the half-way stage. We had the American

leading. Marcel Hug is there and Dave Weir in second. Hokinoue is

going wellment so too is Ernst van Dyk. And they can get up to speeds

of over 30mph. That's on the outrun from the Bridge. Quite extraordinary

speeds. And this is a great part of the course in terms of spectators,

because if you are trying to watch someone come over you don't have to

walk too far to se them at 21 -- see them at 21 and 22. You can see here

that they have become quite spread out. There's Josh Cassidy just going

through shot. Just stretching his back out a little bit. Marcel Hug

and David Weir. A lot of talk about this turning into a big dual between

the two of them as Ernst van Dyk and Kota Hokinoue try to close the gap,

but Marcel Hug and David Weir out in front at the moment. It's still all

to play for here. Marcel Hug is going to do his best to prove that

last year's golds weren't a fluke, but David Weir is tracking him.

Looking pretty good at the moment for the fans of Dave Weir.

Meanwhile, back in Greenwich, last-minute preparations, last visit

to the loo. Get your baggage on the buses. Fasten the laces, apply the

Vaseline. Maybe get the suncream out today? Always a wonderful sight.

Look at that. Now they really are motoring. The leaders had to really

pick up in the third mile. We reckon they ran just outside five minutes,

and they ran a 5. 13 and another 5.06. You can see Jeptoo and Edna

Kiplagat, the smaller of the two. Florence and Edna is closest to the

camera and behind them we have Tiki Gelana and Tirunesh Dibaba and then

they get into a different rhythm and then all of a sudden you are running

5.08s and it's already a fairly early test even for Tirunesh Dibaba?

It is. Straightaway the pace picked up there in the third pile and you

could see decisions -- mile and you could see decisions having to be

made. Jeptoo straight up and she is going with whatever they're dog. She

was the one -- doing. She was the one who was asking why they weren't

going. Florence Kiplagat isn't sure and ed ma is just running -- Edna is

running cautiously. Tirunesh Dibaba was struggling a little when the

pace picked up. She was sitting on the back of the group. Now she looks

more comfortable. When the 5.08 went in she struggled to make that jump.

She seems to be taking time out to get back on things and see how she

is feeling. A quarter of the race completed. And all the talent have

all gathered there are now. They have all made the decision, all gone

with it and that is enough. You can keep track on the red

button. And a big thanks to all the volunteers who work here to make

this day go smoothly. It really does run like clockwork. We have already

met a few of them. Lot of famous faces choose to run the London

Marathon and we have picked out a few of them. We have Olympic gold

medallist Catherine Grainger. Hoping for a time of three and a half

hours. Quiz king CJ taking on the marathon today. Game of thrones

start Natalie wants to complete in around four hours. And former

England foot taller Michael Owen. Our very own daredevil Helen Skelton

giving himself -- herself forward a half hours to finish. And Hugo

Taylor has a four hour target. Amy Williton struts her stuff, her aim

is for and a half hours. England World Cup rugby winger Lewis Moody

has four hours in his sights. Jenny Faulkner hoping to finish in three

and a half hours. And Michel Roux hoping to make his way around in

three hours 45 minutes. And they are the famous face runners today. And

we have trackers on all those celebrity runners so we will be able

to watch them as they go along including our very own Helen

Skelton. I have been getting some last-minute tips. Paul, how old are

you? 89. I am 86. She is a youngster! How many marathons have

you done. This is my 23rd London. This is my 18th London but I have

done a few others as well. You feeling confident about this. I'm

feeling happy. We will get there. I do not expect to win it! Mo Farah is

in it this year, let him have it. He needs something. Top tips for

staying fit as you accumulate the years? I do not know what you mean!

I have always been, before I ran I was a long-distance walker. So I'm

out most days, if I'm not running I'm walking. I just like being out

doors. Just keep doing it. And do not overdo it. We will not all be

elite and fast but go out and do what you can do and enjoy it. She

frightens the life out of me! I am going to run with these pair because

they are entertaining! They are doing something right! If you are at

home eating your toe -- you're too old, and again! What fantastic

scenes as the masses get ready to go. Including Mo Farah. And in about

ten minutes' time that begins. You can continue to watch the women's

race and the wheelchair race on the red button. But Mo Farah is about to

make his marathon debut. Well he will be out on the start

shortly. The double world champion. How will he fair. We caught up with

him earlier this week. It is gold! This is world domination

for Mo Farah. He is the world champion. The last three months has

been hard to prepare for the marathon. It is not easy to stop you

cannot just go out there, it is challenging. Last time most people

saw you was in the New York half marathon. Have you recovered from

that. I have recovered. I used so much energy to get back up. And it

was cold as well. But I'm fine and in training and it has been really

good. All athletes sometimes step into the unknown and this is a big

step for you. Are you more nervous than normal. A bit. I could have a

great race or I could run 2.06. That would be below your expectations? I

always set myself a high standard. And the first step is definitely to

break the record. Are you familiar with the second half of the course.

I watched a couple of races. Last year and previous years. So I know a

little bit. How is it different in terms of approaching this race

compared to what you have done on the track. I know there will be

quite a lot of surges. The guys will want to get rid of me. So after ten

or 12 miles race will break. Heading towards the finish line could there

be a thought back to the young mole Farrah and the mini marathon. Did

you ever think this would happen to you. I thought of doing it not

dreaming of winning! It has been some journey from those mini

marathon days. He's just doing some gentle limbering up. The first sight

of the great man. So many people here to support him including his

old PE teacher. He is with Colin. A big array of people supporting Mo

Farah. They are very noisy! Alan Wright is next to me. How old was he

when you met him. He was 11 years old. Looking very different to how

he looks today. And how talented dude you think he was right at the

beginning did you spot that he was to be a great athlete? I would not

go that far. He was very talented and did some amazing things in those

days. I always said look out for him but people said you cannot tell at

that age. But I had a feeling about him and I was right. He has won the

mini marathon and he is now here doing the main business. What to

think his chances. If anyone can do it against that kind of field then

he can. He has proved that he can do it in the past. He is a competitor.

Guys, how do you think he is going to do? They think he is going to do

it! All eyes on Mo Farah for sure but he is far from the favourite. He

faces many multitalented rivals today. Stephen Kiprotich is aiming

to break the 11 year stranglehold that Kenyon and Ethiopian athletes

have had on the London Marathon. Tsegaye Kebede is the reigning

champion and won the race in 2010. He has twice been runner-up. The

Kenyan challenge is Wilson Kipsang. A winner here in 2012 and also the

world record holder and Olympic bronze medallist from London.

Emmanuel Mutai was runner-up last year and set the London Marathon

course record in 2011. Geoffrey Mutai recently beat Mo Farah in the

New York half marathon. Another Kenyan to watch is Stanley by what.

-- Stanley Biwott. And that is the formidable elite men's field

awaiting Mo Farah. Nothing like a gentle start to your marathon

career! Five of the fastest marathon runners in history. Just a few last

thoughts, Brendan, are you optimistic or pessimistic about Mo

Farah's chances today? I think he has an Everest to climb. Is it a

step too far? We are here to find out. And Paula, you have made this

transition, what would your advice be for him at the moment? I think he

knows what to do now. He has to go out and just run the race. He has

made the right decision coming in facing the field that he has. You

may as well go for it here in London against the best. And whoever wants

it the most, he is going to want it the most because he is on home soil

with this support. Steve Cram, what does success looked like, perhaps he

will not win it? He said success was beating the British record held by

Steve Jones but I think he wants more than that. He needs to know

from today whether he is going to run a marathon at the Olympic Games

in 2016. He needs some indication one way or another. It really is a

tantalising prospect. Sit back and enjoy the Virgin Money London

Marathon with us. The waiting is finally over.

The elite runners act as a kind of barrage barrier blocking those

gathering behind them. Is it the gathering storm for Mo Farah will

the sun be shining on his marathon career, who knows. This man knows

all about it. The world record holder Wilson Kipsang. Geoffrey

Mutai who beat him in the New York half marathon just three weeks ago.

And a man who knows how to win here in London, Tsegaye Kebede. He thinks

he can win it again this time. The world champion, Olympic champion,

loves running here in London. Not the quickest on paper but he does

know how to win big races. Another former London winner and a man who

has run the quickest around this course. Emmanuel Mutai. And listen

to the welcome for Mo Farah. CHEERING.

The field is just the best we have ever seen. Tsegaye Mekonnen. Samuel

Tsegay. Chris Thompson and Scott Overall running for Great Britain.

And others looking for Commonwealth and European places in the summer.

34 years we have gathered in Greenwich to watch one of the

world's greatest sporting spectacles. And this year Mo Farah

has just added a little bit of spice. We are on our way! The London

Marathon and all that it offers. At the front, in the middle, at the

very back. Every single one of them setting out on their own personal

journey. One of the world's great sporting spectacles. On a perfect

day here in London. Perhaps a British champion? Perhaps somebody

who can continue the success he's had on the track, but today it's not

all about Mo, but about 36,000 others, who make the London Marathon

a special occasion and day. Although years ago, Brendan, you sat here for

every single one, but I'm not sure even the great David Coleman, who we

sadly lost this year, David with his great wisdom and vision and the

likes of Chris bray Cher and the rest of the team, all of the people

who have helped to create this and they are will not share any of them

in their wildest dreams could have envisaged all these years forward

what it has become nottious here in Britain, but around the world.

That's right. 34 years and we've seen 888,000 people finish the

Marathon and these shots heralds the start of bring. What a beautiful day

and magnificent occasion and wonderfully organised event. The

Chief Executive of the London Marathon must be thrilled when he

sees these sights. People queuing up to get over the start line. That's

all well and good, because when they cross the start line the computer

chips will trigger and their official times from start to finish

will be recorded and tabulated and the rulingTS will be on-line this

afternoon. What a change it's been over the 34 years. What a spectacle

of colour and doesn't London look magnificent. We look at the

enthusiasm and the runners from all around this country and in deed --

indeed many, many countries around the world and they come here for the

annual pilgrimage to Greenwich. I hope they don't get too excited

about Mo. We are all excited about that, but this is what the London

Marathon is all about. Look at the colours. You said there's been so

many changes. One thing never changes - 26.2 miles is hard work.

It's a real challenge. Whether you are an Olympic champion, world

record holder or whether this is the first event of this type you've ever

taken on and you're not sure if you'll get to the finish line. It

doesn't patter. They'll all know at the end of the day they've taken

part in one of the world's greatest sporting event. Even the elite

athletes, they know they're going to get there, but they don't know what

it's going to be like. The journey is what it's all about. Happy 80th

for Jean. I remember the first one, all the T-shirts were grey and

dark-blue and black. We were in colour, but now look at them.

Yellow, the bright yellows. What a wonderful sight. The skies overhead.

Sat here for 34 years, Steve, and I feel one of these days I should run

in it, but it was probably a few years ago when I should have done

it. There is still time! Never say never! The first year they've had a

grandstand at the start line, because it's a spectacle. Everybody

wants to see the finish, but you get all of the excitement and all of the

anticipation. We have the three different starts. It's all organised

very well. Marshalled brilliantly. It will take maybe the best part of

20 minutes for most people to cross the start line. Those who gather in

Greenwich Park I'm pretty sure have been having a lovely morning

relaxing and this year for once, haven't had to keep all of their kit

on until the last minute. They've been able to prepare themselves

perhaps a little bit earlier and enjoy the sunshine. The directions

are come through the park, turn left and you've got 26 miles to go. Look

at that. Hugh, the son of the founder, Chris has taken over as

race director and he'll be absolutely thrilled with the way

it's processing. The women's elite race is well under way and the men

are being led by the great one, as a pacemaker, never seen him before,

the great Haile Gebrselassie, but the important part of the London

Marathon, most of them, are still in Greenwich Park. This is the

attraction. It's not just the 26 miles. That in itself is a wonderful

challenge for anybody to take on, but it's being part of this event.

It's being part of that huge, huge group of people down there. I don't

think it's very easy to describe what it's like. I've done it myself

on a couple of occasions and the camaraderie and the people coming

together. Never met and they'll make friends on the route and they'll

give their life stories at times when things get a little bit tough.

They'll look for support from spectators. People around you. Some

of them become life-long friends. There's something about the energy

of being together and participating together of running together and

doing what you've just said and sharing your experiences and

stories. Even sharing the water. I remember the famous line of David

Coleman in the first when he said, "The hand of friendship." Well, the

hand of friendship has crossed this eventment it's not just the elite

runners, who cross the line as they did in the first, but these people

setting off. They all know how tough it is. They all know the best way to

do it is doing it together and the sharing that comes out, I can see a

Sunderland shirt, but right in the middle of the shot. Sorry! He's got

as many miles to go as Sunderland have points, 25. I did say I wasn't

going to mention it. He happened to be there. I know it's been a tough

year, but you're brave. Moving on! There you can see perfectly the red

and blue start. We have seen the elite athletes who have headed on

their way. And they all come together. They approach Woolwich.

Three or four miles down the road. We'll look at exactly where they are

going. Three separate starts. The green and the blue merge and it's a

little while before the red joins them. Fast miles through two, three

and four and down to the river. Past the Woolwich Barracks and they start

heading up to the Cutty Sark, which is one of the great images of the

London Marathon. Restored in recent years. Then a few of the toughest

miles and through Rotherhithe eventually. At this point they'll

start to get a little bit of a glimpse of Tower Bridge. Then they

know there that they're just about half way, about 20 kilometres over

the Bridge. Then it's the half-way point. You turn right. And head to

Canary Wharf. And the glass spires of the financial district. Not quite

as many twists and turns, but it's a little fiedly through -- fiedly --

fiddly through there. This is for the elite athletes for the big

breaks. It's not far to go then the Tower of London and then they go to

the Embankment and see Big Ben and then this is really a run for home.

The finish like is in the Mal. -- Mall. Paula, you can bring us

up-to-date with the women. The first change was we lost the Olympic

champion. It's been a relentless pace. Tirunesh Dibaba still there.

Jeptoo and Florence and Edna still there. Trying to hang on, but no

Tiki Gelana. She dropped off and ran about six or seven miles when they

started running consistent paces, which would give them a time, so

moving in a very good pace and she immediately dropped off. Followed a

mile or so later by the other two, Tsegaye Kebede -- Tadese tad and

Aberu Kebede. There is the pace. It's almost world record. You have

the course record at 2. 15. After two miles, they were not quite sure

and the last six miles has been world record pace, which is

significant? Definitely. That's why it did the damage and we saw people

drop off. We saw Tirunesh Dibaba react well and cover that. Moving

from the 10,000 metres, she would still find that pace at this stage

very manageable, but she didn't have any hesitation moving away with this

group and now it is Edna Kiplagat who is struggling to stay on that

pack and it looks as though no too long we might see the group of three

breaking away. Meanwhile, the first race on schedule to finish is the

men's elite wheelchairs. This is Ernst van Dyk. We have a breakaway

group of four. Hokinoue from Japan. David Weir is still in the group. So

too Marcel Hug. Interestingly, Tanni, Ernst van Dyk is the one who

hasn't looked plaverle comfortable and -- particularly comfortable, and

yet here he is opening up ten metres. Is he deciding that he can't

afford to leave it to a sprint because he knows there's not enough

in the arms? That's right. He has been letting others cover the

breakaways and I think this is much more about how confident he feels,

because you don't want to be with Marcel Hug and David Weir coming

around that final turn and Ernst van Dyk has been comfortable racing out

on his own and racing hard rather than being in a pack, but

interestingly, Dave's been very smart and not spent a lot of time at

the front, even when Hokinoue has tried to force him through. He has

ignored every attempt to make him feel guilty. But he's pulling in the

gap a little. He has barely been at the front David Weir, but he has

done the sensible thing you would suspect so far and covered every

gap. No sooner were we talking about Ernst van Dyk and that gap has been

closed and once again the lead four are together and they are miles

clear of the rest of the field, so barring disasters, the winner will

come if this four. Will it be The Magnificient Seven for David Weir?

We won't have to wait long to find out. Canary Wharf looking brilliant

and shining in the sunshine today. We hope that you are going to sit

with us and enjoy the wheelchair race. The women's elite and men's

elite and the masses. We want to hear from you. If you have anybody

out there running who you want to pass on your best wishes to, text

us: Please, please get involved because

we are here for a good few hours and there are so many good people out

there and their stories. We have some that we already know about. We

have got so many people out there and if we can we would love to say

hello. Somebody who I don't have to say good luck to and I hope she is

going to do a good job, good luck Helen Skelton. Everybody is excited

for Mo Farah. Are they as excited to be setting off? I want to get on

with it and get it under way, because as soon as you start running

and the sooner you get closer to the finish line. I do feel nervous. I

feel a bit sick. And I can't wait to see my family cheering on the

sideline, because that will help me out and get me through. I have got

to hand over the microphone. It's lick my safety blanket -- like my

safety blanket. Helen's doing the best thing. There's no better way to

know what this is all about than to take part. Helen will be fine. We

are expecting her around four-and-a-half hours, but she has

set herself a real task and working hard and running hard too.

Early on in the men's race, we wanted to see a fast race. And one

of the people who has been given the job to make it first, the pacemaker,

Haile Gebrselassie. He has run 4.36 for the first mile. I asked him why

he was doing pacemaking and he said he had broken 26 world records over

the years and had some top athletes helping him to do that so he thought

it was his turn to give them some help. And the great Haile

Gebrselassie, pacemaker. That is a world first. But he is going to run

to the halfway point. Mo Farah decided not to go with that pace and

settled for a bit of a slower opening. He is in the second group

following another pacemaker. That is sensible from Mo Farah. He has

decided to let the main field get away and do their thing whilst he is

doing his own thing. So a scientific approach to it. That has been his

approach in the last few years. Picking up the drinks. There was a

decision to be made for him and the other athletes. The others have gone

with the early pace. The front group has already split into two. We are

interested to see if the front group would maybe go a little bit slower.

But they really have attacked it early. Haile Gebrselassie leading

that. And this is why I think for Mo Farah the plan is they want to hit

halfway in a good time. And he is gambling a little bit that these

guys are going to Cilic other up a little bit. Hats off to them if they

do not. -- chew each other up. Some great talent in that group led by

Haile Gebrselassie. At the age of 41 he still has ambitions. He wants to

run a marathon next week in an age best time. I hope the message going

out to the spec taters on the route is not that Mo Farah is losing, but

that he is running his own race. He has chosen to run a more

conservative race. It is his first one and it is not surprising. This

is a loaded field. The athlete who beat Mo Farah in the World

Championships, Ibrahim Jeilam running right next to him. They know

each other well. Is Mo Farah going to judge it right? Is the leading

group going to slow down and what is going to happen to Mo Farah beyond

the 20 mile mark. We're pretty sure he will be in great shape

approaching 20 miles but does he have the physical make-up to

translate from a great 10,000 metre runner to a great marathon runner.

It is an interesting baptism but a bit of about two some of fire. -- a

baptism of fire. All the leading runners in this event have dismissed

his chances. He Haile Gebrselassie said that the champion from last

year as the one to beat. And he knows a little bit about marathon

running. Tirunesh Dibaba is still in contention in the women's leading

group and she said that Hayley gebrooselassy has been fantastic in

the help that he has given her. And he is now paying a little back to

the sport that he has graced so magnificently over the years. Well

it is a very good pace that has been set. Emmanuel Mutai there. The world

record holder, Wilson Kipsang. Meanwhile at the tower, this race

has developed into the four big names we might have expected.

Tirunesh Dibaba still with this group. What kind of pace are they

running? Pretty much getting growth to the women's course record pace at

this stage. To begin with we wondered if Tiki Gelana was just

holding off. But drifting further back now. All the women look

comfortable. For me Priscah Jeptoo looks the most comfortable. Tirunesh

Dibaba just watching a comfortable at the moment. In the press

conference she spoke about the advice that Haile Gebrselassie had

given her and how much help that had been. Her longest run has been 35

kilometres. She has put the work in and she is coming out fired up a

little bit by the defeat in the Great North run and once to prove

something here today. -- wants to. And there is Tiki Gelana. Hoping

that something happened at the front with those athletes ahead of her. It

looks like it is going to be a hard slog for her in the second half of

the race. They are almost halfway. Meanwhile, Charlie Chaplin! So many

characters out there. Not really a day to wear fancy dress. Getting a

great cheer at the start. Charlie Chaplin did not used to run, he just

used to walk quickly! Still moving through. Streaming through, to be

honest. A bit late for Halloween, isn't it? ! The last few getting

across the start line. Building up to the first big finish. Still this

leading for in the elite men's wheelchair race. Marcel Hug leading.

David Weir on second place. Kota Hokinoue in fourth place. Marcel Hug

you suspect is just waiting to see what David Weir is going to do.

Tanni Is inside me. -- beside me. I imagine Marcel Hug is frustrated at

the moment. David Weir in a really good position. And unless they can

make him hurt it is looking good for him right now. David Weir races with

soft gloves. All the other guys racing on plastic gloves with a

rubber covering so any change of pace, David Weir can hear what is

happening. So he puts in more power rather than hand speed. So by the

time they react to him it is usually a bit late. So those soft gloves

stop the others from knowing what he is doing. And it is not just about

the win today but the significance of Mo Farah's marathon going forward

to the next Olympic Games. But here they will be curious to see if David

Weir has lost any of his power with that self-imposed exile last year.

And at the moment it looks as if he is answering those questions and

saying I am back and I am as good as I was two years ago. And in two

years' time if you want to beat me you really will have to be at the

top of your game. He really needed a break last year, there was so much

pressure on him. He just needed to be a town with his family and

getting his training right. He did a couple of races on the road, not

really on track. He raced in Sydney and has raced in Lisbon where he

came third. He has been playing a waiting game and he has got a lot of

nerve. He does not panic or get stressed out. He is just watching

where everyone is. I had a chat with him on Friday and asked him about

Marcel Hug winning in his absence last year. I said to him you think

that he has turned a corner and gain some confidence. He just looked at

me with a wry grin and said that Marcel Hug one and he said but I was

not there. Marcel Hug has so much talent but he does raise differently

when David Weir is in the field. I think it is because Dave we are can

win the race in so many different ways. He can kick short and hard, he

can wind up gradually. So he can win in a lot of different ways whereas

Marcel Hug likes to take it out a little bit earlier. Getting right

down to the nitty-gritty here. The last few corners. And when is the

Sprint going to come? Can David Weir secure his seventh title and become

the greatest wheelchair performer in London Marathon history. Marcel Hug

is bare. He wants to continue the dominance he enjoyed last year.

Ernst van Dyk in third. Marcel Hug leading. Reminiscent scenes from the

Paralympic marathon two years ago. David Weir is digging and pushing.

Still a two metre deficit. Shoulders burning. Marcel Hug is holding him.

And Marcel Hug has taken it. David Weir second. Ernst van Dyk third.

And that confidence has got him across the line. A pat on the back

for Marcel Hug from David Weir. Not good enough for gold today but this

tees up some great battles for the years to come. Perhaps David Weir

will use this as even more motivation as the long road to

Brazil takes another step forward. That was a fantastic race from

Marcel Hug in terms of not panicking. He just kept accelerating

away. And that is going to change the racing for the season. A great

push from Dave but just not good enough today. Still tied as the

record-holder. But what a significant mystery -- victory for

Marcel Hug. The undoubtedly would have been feeling a little sore and

tired from the big win that he enjoyed in Paris. But arguably this

is the biggest victory in Marcel Hug's career. He has finally proved

he has not been afraid to take on David Weir come the big occasion and

at last he has been able to beat him when the pressure is on.

So the wheelchair race complete. Still finishing in front of us here

where the crowds are beginning to gather at The Mall. Just beyond five

miles and when they go past six miles there is that little kink in

the course that takes them around the Cutty Sark. Mo Farah was about

27, 28 seconds behind the leading group who have gone off very quickly

indeed. There Mo with his great rival, Jeilan. He was pass inside

Japan. He beat Mo Farah in the world championships and finished second to

him last year, so he's decided, I know Mo and I'm sticking with Mo.

Letting the experienced guys go out and fight it out among themselves.

They have gone out hard, Brendan? Well, they have. They went quick and

Haile Gebrselassie for the first time as a pacemaker has done an

exuberant job. He has let them along at all most course record pace and

the crowds are seeing the great man who has graced this sport since he

was world champion 20 years ago. 1993 was the first world title. We

have been privileged to have him in this sport. Moving up 10,000 metres

and world record holder at the Marton. Probably seeing him --

marathon. Probably seeing him for the last time in a major

competition. He's providing a service for the others to the

half-way point. There they are, look at the crowds. In a moment they'll

get really excited when they see the man they came to watch, Mo Farah,

coming into suTy Sark. -- Cutty Sark. There is the third group and

Chris Thompson and Marc Overmars. Chris Thompson -- Scott Overall.

They are looking for good Chris Thompson -- Scott Overall.

Scott running well there in the orange. Between this group and the

group we saw, we are looking for Mo. This is going to be great for the

crowd. The crowd are getting warmed up as they step into this area. And

in that group you can sense by the way the crowd are reacting Mo right

in the middle that group. That's the second group. Allowing the athletes

upfront. Running at course record pace. Mo running just slightly

slower than course record, but don't get too excited, Mo, relax and keep

going. From half way. It's when you need to make your decisions. There's

Mo Farah and Ibrahim Jeilan. He's the Ethiopian world champion and

he's leading the Great Britain. The crowd are coming out to watch Mo.

He's not losing, he's just in the second group. There are a couple of

people between the group, including the Olympic champion, kip kip kip --

Stephen Kiprotich. He went on to win the World Championship marathon last

year, so he's gone off at a quicker pace than he would normally do. He

doesn't have fast races to his name. He has goad medals. That's an

interesting dilemma for Mo because if you are going to run the marathon

in the Olympics you don't necessarily have to run 2.03.

Kiprotich hasn't done that, but he has won the last two gold medals at

the major championships. It's not just about turning up to London,

Berlin and Chicago and run a wick time, it's about -- quick time, it's

about understanding the event and when to make the move. When there

are no pacemakers and Kiprotich has shown he is good at that. There is

more to it than can you run fast? Haile Gebrselassie won the Games and

then moved up to the marathon and really did it right and managed to

win and break a world record. He wanted to be Olympic champion. That

was the driving force. That's a big driver for the Ethiopian athletes

because of their great history. Haile Gebrselassie still talks about

other athletes, but when he talks about the first winner he talks

about him with real reverence. He has never won the London Marathon.

Everywhere else he has won big races, including the world record in

Berlin, but never able to win the London Marathon and he says in the

springtime in London, pollen levels and the blossoms on the trees

affected him a little and he didn't enjoy it as much as he wanted to,

but desperate to run the Olympic Games and he want selected by the

team. The Games for Ethiopia marathon was a disappointment for

the men. They didn't do well. Kebede didn't run the Games because he

wasn't selected, so overall the strength of distance running, I'm

thinking about Tirunesh Dibaba. She has done amazing things in the sport

and she would love to win a gold medal at the Games and her - people

from her town, Tiki Gelana both won golds in the marathon. They'll be

watching that group and included in there is Tirunesh Dibaba. She

eventually wants to win the Games and the marathon. It's a lot of

people. She as got the abill and talent. Today, we are beginning to

find out if she has got the aptitude to show that prowess that she has

shown on the track and at shorting distances and can she translate to

the maR tonne? Thing -- Marathon? Things are looking good. Paula,

Tirunesh Dibaba is in the group. Tiki Gelana isn't. She went off the

back fairly early. They haven't done anything to get rid of her yet. We

have had a steady pace. Good pace. Steady. I'll break off to Rob for

the moment. Thank you, Steve. Marcel Hug has taken the men's elite

wheelchair title. With a surprise upset for David Weir. He was in

second play. We are looking at the runaway leader, Tatyana McFadden.

Storming away here to what should be, judging by the last time split,

a new course record. She is the defending London Marathon champion

and what a story this young woman has produced. She was living on the

floor of a Russian orphanage and there was no money for a chair. She

was crawlling around on her hands and knees. Then her adopted mother,

Debbie, who was working for the US Department of Health and Justice

adopted her, brought her back to the United States. And she has since

conquered all and we'll be -- we'll be back to see her crowning moment

when she gets to the finish in just a couple of minutes' time. The news

from the men is there is a big gap developing between this group and Mo

Farah. Just around the Cutty Sark or there abouts, that Mo was a good 45

seconds behind, so he's losing about 15 seconds every five kilometres.

Could well be well over a minute behind or at least a minute behind

at halfway. There he is. Getting plenty of support. Mo's just running

a little slower than he had asked for and he is saying to Jeilan,

"Come with me here." He'll need some company here. Let's watch this. It's

a worrying gap at this point if he wants to think about coming in the

top three here. It absolutely is. I would have been happier seeing him

in this group just up ahead here, which should be including Stephen

kip kitsch who - Kiprotich, who is pretty good. We need to see Mo here.

What we have seen is the dancher of having -- danger of having the two

pace groups going through-way 30 seconds apart. Where do they split?

There isn't that much difference per mile pace. In the beginning mile it

was difficult to judge. What we have also seen is one of the pacemakers

steps off way too early and not Haile Gebrselassie, but I think we

have seen a little bit of inexperience for Haile Gebrselassie

and sitting in the press conference, so many people were saying that they

really benefitted from the fact he's in the race and Kebede likes it and

have him helping and it was a big thing, but he is used to racing and

running how you feel. He's not used to hitting pace split and I know he

was worried. Here comes Tatyana McFadden. As I was saying earlier,

adopted from a Russian orphanage and now proudly flying the flag for the

United States. Six golds in the blazing sunshine of Lyon last summer

and then changed her focus and she was desperate to compete in her

country of birth. She used all her winnings to pay for her biological

family to be there. So both her adopted mum and her biological mum

were there in Sochi to see her great silver and the crowd are responding

here. The performance of a great, great champion. A new course record

and the list of accolades for Tatyana McFadden goes on and on. She

has defended her title in fine style and the athletes in second and third

are not even in sight. Tanni, I hope you won't mind me saying, but surely

now Tatyana is on her way to securing her status at the

greatest-ever female wheelchair racer? Superb racing from Tatyana.

At the press conference a couple of days ago she was talking down her

chances, saying that she wasn't sure her technique in her chair would be

up to the race, even though her fitness was great. The fact that she

broke such a long way ahead and she just decided she was strong enough

to go and obviously her fitness is not in doubt, but also the technique

in the chair looks good, so great position for the rest of the season.

A contrast in the battle for second and third, McFadden's was a time

trail. We have Manuela Schar in second place. She is the reigning

world champion. There is also Wakako Tsuchida. She beat her last year.

Schar is an yunT rate -- underrated athlete. Last year a brilliant gold

medal. Schar in second and Wakako Tsuchida comes home in third. A word

for the Japanese athlete. This is ten years after her paralympic title

over 5,000 metres, so tremendous appetite for the sport, but not

quite good enough to beat Schar into second place.

At the front of the women's race we only have one pacemaker left trying

to keep this going and to be fair, the pace making has been even. The

last five miles have been all run at about the same pace, around the low

5. 20s and that's meant they've been able to settle. Edna Kiplagat and

Priscah Jeptoo and Florence Kiplagat and Tirunesh Dibaba will be pleased

that the pace has evened out. The question will be at some point in

the next two or three miles are any of these and it won't be Tirunesh

Dibaba, but the other three, who is feeling good and who is starting to

try to think about winning this race? Absolutely. I think now as we

move into this stage of the race, if you look at that pack of four in the

race itself, you've got Edna looking very, very comfortable and moving

into known territory for her. She knows this stage of the race very

well and you have Florence and Tirunesh Dibaba who are probably -

Florence is better known for the half marathons and Tirunesh Dibaba

will only have raced as far as the half marathon and now she is going

to get the questions asked, how is she feeling mentally and handling

that? Is she thinking too far ahead to the finish or just thinking at

this staining about letting the kilometres and miles tick away to

get closer to the finish stage which is into her territory again? In the

meantime, I think Mo Farah was maybe listening to us and the crowd

because he has picked up the pace. He has moved away from Jeilan. He

wanted him to come with him. He realised he was maybe going too slow

and just outside 30 minutes through the first ten kilometres and that's

the Olympic champion and Sigei who picked up and he picked up a medal

at the recent world half marathon and Mo is saying, "Come on, work

with me." He hasn't got it from Jeilan. He knows he is a long way

adrift. There are the times. He wouldn't want the gap to get much

bigger. They may slow down at the front. The likelihood is they won't,

but Mo, to me, looks like he is getting into it. The first ten

kilometres took his time and he realised that he needed to move into

a different rhythm here. He's running smoothly and comfortably

here. The interesting thing is, he's never been in I race like this and

he's there and the race is happening down the road and all his whole

career Mo has been in races where he has been in sight of the leaders.

It is not the smoothest thing, but it is a new experience for Mo Farah.

You look at the world record holders, the champions, the winners

at New York, they are all there and Mo Farah was practising over the

last few weeks. Paula Radcliffe was helping him, to get his drinks.

There he is, getting ready. He sees the table and he slows down. See how

important it is. Did you teach him that? There was a big discussion

going on about whether he was going to pick up his own drink or take it

from someone. And that is not as simple a decision as it sounds. If

you take it from someone, you might think it would be easier but it can

be harder. At the last minute, he switched. Yesterday, he was going to

have someone handed to him. He looked smoother in training. But

that is always the case because of the nerves. You are worried about

whether you get a drink or not. If you are worried about Mo Farah

setting off, I have been doing some sums. It has been confirmed by our

statistician. He ran the last five Kay as quick as the leaders. He has

picked up his pace. They have settled a bit, but he is still 45

seconds behind. Do not think he would have wanted the gap to get any

bigger. If he has any intention of being involved in the latter stages.

Mo Farah, running at the same pace as the leaders, that he has probably

expended less energy in the early stages. So he is warming to the

task, shall we say. There's a lot of talent in that group, as Brendan was

saying. They all look pretty comfortable at this point. A good

pace being set at the front. The crowds are always huge at Cutty

Sark. You still have time if you are watching somebody going through. You

can end up on the other side and even get to the finishing line in

time to welcome loved ones, friends. It can be a busy day for

spectators, Steve. Getting to the Cutty Sark and then under the tunnel

and then another tube to the finish. You can see people with backpacks

on, setting off to do that. And there is the event moving through,

to great applause. Absolutely phenomenal. Tiki Gelana, way down

the field. Jessica Augusto, running well here today. Getting ready to

run further, running for Portugal in the European Championships later

this year. Tiki Gelana, rumoured to be in the best shape of her life,

has not been the same since the Olympic Games. She has not run a

great time since the Olympics. And then there is a massive gas after

Augusto. -- massive gap. We saw the two other Ethiopians, that she is a

long way back. Even though the leaders are slowing, Tiki Gelana is

not running a good race obviously, but be leaders are not attacking

this yet. They are not attacking this. We can see them settle down.

They are settling a little bit, looking around, waiting for someone

to make a move. But Tiki Gelana is three minutes back. She will not

make it up. Probably the next two we are going to see have dropped off

that group early on. I do not think we are seeing anyone picking massive

inroads upwards, other than maybe get their role, running steadily. I

cannot see them catching the leaders unless they fall apart quite badly.

These are the two athletes you are talking about, and they have been

together since the pace picked up. They decided they did not want to go

with the lead pack, having their own private race. Further down the road,

meanwhile... For the first time, one of them has decided to have a goal.

It had to break at some point. The pacemaker is finally going. Florence

Kiplagat is the one who has decided to give it a push. Jeptoo, either

she has made a significant move to the front of this group or she has

gone to the back. We need to find out. Looking back down the road, I

cannot see her. It is more likely that she has moved ahead and

Florence Kiplagat... No, that is the pacemaker. We are either looking at

a breakaway off the front group of three, or a group of three who have

dropped back. Jeptoo has been in such wonderful form over the last

couple of years. Most people were expecting her to run well. She might

even be the favourite running into this. We will check what has

happened to her. Dibaba is hanging on well. The Kiplagats are testing