0:00:01 > 0:00:03MUSIC: The Trap by Ron Goodwin
0:00:06 > 0:00:10We've seen, born in London today, what is surely destined
0:00:10 > 0:00:13to become one of the greatest events in British sport.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23Tufa of Ethiopia heading for victory!
0:00:25 > 0:00:28It's one of the greatest pieces of running we've ever seen.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Shoulders burning, fingertips pushing!
0:00:39 > 0:00:43The London Marathon belongs to Eliud Kipchoge!
0:00:43 > 0:00:46The hand of friendship after 26 miles.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49A sight to behold every single year.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Hello and welcome to the start of this weekend's coverage
0:01:02 > 0:01:04of the Virgin Money London Marathon.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Behind me there is the unmistakable skyline of the City of London.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12So many great global sporting events have been held here in recent years,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16and once again, tomorrow, thousands of athletes will take to the streets
0:01:16 > 0:01:20running 26.2 miles past those iconic landmarks.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23It promises to be another stirring day.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31Well, tomorrow is the 36th running of this great race.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33And, at some point in the afternoon,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35the millionth finisher will cross the line.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37It could be you, your mum, your dad,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40your cousin or a colleague from work. It could be anyone.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Over the next half an hour or so,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45we'll be looking at some of the incredible inspirational characters
0:01:45 > 0:01:48who are going to be lining up - all for their very own reasons.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Whoever you are, though, whether you're intending to win the race,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54or run it in under four hours, or maybe even jog round in eight -
0:01:54 > 0:01:56you've all got to start here.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59This is where you pick up your race number, you register,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01and you might just pick up a few last-minute tips.
0:02:08 > 0:02:09Hello, you all right?
0:02:28 > 0:02:30Whilst they're here,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32runners can get information on all kinds of things.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Preparation, hydration, even psychology.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38And it's been very busy here all day,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41because running a marathon is one of the great physical challenges.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45So, how about 401 marathons in 401 days?
0:02:45 > 0:02:47No! Who'd do that?!
0:02:47 > 0:02:48Ben Smith of Bristol, that's who.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51He's embarked on the challenge of all challenges
0:02:51 > 0:02:54for his very own personal reasons.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57But, along the way, he's been inspiring many others.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01The challenge, I suppose, is quite simple.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05I'm running 401 marathons in 401 consecutive days,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07and I'm doing it to raise £250,000
0:03:07 > 0:03:09for two anti-bullying charities.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12I went away to school at the age of ten.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14I'd come from quite a close-knit family,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and I went into an environment that was quite cold,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20I became quite shy and quite reclusive
0:03:20 > 0:03:23and I became quite a prone target for bullying.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25The bullying was very mental,
0:03:25 > 0:03:27it was quite physical, as well - I was beaten up.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31And that turned towards an attack on my sexuality.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33And I...
0:03:33 > 0:03:36I didn't know that I was gay at that time,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38but when I did figure it out, I was scared.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41The bullying got so bad while I was at school
0:03:41 > 0:03:44that, at the age of 18, I tried to take my own life.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45And it wasn't a cry for help.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48I just genuinely didn't want to be here.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50When I was 29,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54I suffered from a transient ischaemic attack - an incompleted stroke.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57I was a bit overweight, I wasn't very happy, I was depressed,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00and I was in this state thinking, "This can't be my life."
0:04:00 > 0:04:02And then, it was a mate of mine
0:04:02 > 0:04:05that actually dragged me along to my local running club.
0:04:05 > 0:04:06And I fell in love with it.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09This project started to grow about two years ago.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13I thought, "Let's raise some money for two anti-bullying charities."
0:04:13 > 0:04:16It just seemed like two perfect things to put together
0:04:16 > 0:04:19to make what's happening now.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Hello, Ben. 401 marathons in 401 days? Good luck to you.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Good luck for London, Ben, and the next 164 marathons!
0:04:27 > 0:04:31So, after London, I've done 237 back-to-back marathons,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34which has taken me all over the UK.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Total miles for the 401 Challenge is 10,506.4,
0:04:38 > 0:04:42which is the equivalent distance between London and Sydney.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45The first five weeks for me were complete hell.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47My left knee swelled up to twice the size,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49I had severe tendinitis in my left shin,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51I lost the feeling in my left foot.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54I had a stress fracture in my big toe on my left foot.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Everything that could go wrong went wrong!
0:04:58 > 0:04:59We love you.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01It has been epic. I've met some amazing people.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03I've had people, complete strangers,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06offer me a bed for the night in their house, or a meal!
0:05:06 > 0:05:09I've ran with over 4,300 people
0:05:09 > 0:05:12over the past 237 days.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13That's insane!
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Day 192 and I'm about to cross the Scottish border.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- BAGPIPER PLAYS - And look!
0:05:18 > 0:05:20They've brought a piper!
0:05:20 > 0:05:23And then, I've got all the storms I've been through!
0:05:23 > 0:05:25They've been pretty memorable!
0:05:25 > 0:05:27So, I've found the flooding.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30I'll never forget memories like those.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34# Running, running, running, running... #
0:05:34 > 0:05:37I engage quite a lot with the people that I run with,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40so I'm always chatting. You can't shut me up half the time.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43I think they just can't wait to get away from me at the end!
0:05:43 > 0:05:44Oh, you've done it!
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Food!
0:05:46 > 0:05:47Where did you get chips from?
0:05:47 > 0:05:50It is literally get my hands on whatever I can eat.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54So, I roughly go with about 6,500 calories a day.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57I'll only have 6,000 calories to eat after this.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59And we've done over 50 school visits now.
0:05:59 > 0:06:00- Hello! - APPLAUSE
0:06:00 > 0:06:02It's me again - Ben.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- Are you Ben, as well? - Yeah.- Oh, wicked!
0:06:04 > 0:06:06They're the best thing that I look forward to.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Do we think bullying is good, or do we think bullying is bad?
0:06:09 > 0:06:11ALL: Bad!
0:06:11 > 0:06:13It really fills me with faith
0:06:13 > 0:06:15that our kids are now being brought up in a way
0:06:15 > 0:06:18which gives them the opportunity to be who they want to be.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Do my legs hurt? Yeah, every day.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22'Running gave me back my confidence'
0:06:22 > 0:06:24and it gave me back my self-esteem
0:06:24 > 0:06:26and it helped me deal with a lot of the stuff
0:06:26 > 0:06:28that had happened to me in the past.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31And without it, you know, I wouldn't be here.
0:06:31 > 0:06:32And I'm grateful for that.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Well, an incredible story, and we wish Ben the very best of luck.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45It's still a long way to go for him,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48and who knows what time he'll cross the finish line.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51But time is important for the elite runners,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54and none more so than two of Britain's best marathon runners,
0:06:54 > 0:06:56Sonia Samuels and Scott Overall.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01And the reason time is important on Sunday is because this race,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04effectively, could seal the deal for you in terms of your ticket to Rio.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07So, explain to us what you have to do, Scott.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12So, the qualifying for British Athletics to go to Rio is
0:07:12 > 0:07:15you have to finish in the top two British athletes at London
0:07:15 > 0:07:18and run the qualifying time of 2.14 for the men.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22So, I've run the qualifying time already, so...
0:07:22 > 0:07:25I say "just", I just have to be in the top two on Sunday
0:07:25 > 0:07:27and that will guarantee my ticket to Rio.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30And a similar scenario to you - a different time, of course.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32But, Sonia, the time's in the bag?
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Sunday's just a straightforward race
0:07:34 > 0:07:36between you and the best of British women.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38It's good to have the time in the bag,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40but, like Scott says, you have to be top two.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42So, it's going to be down to the race on the day
0:07:42 > 0:07:43against the other girls
0:07:43 > 0:07:46who are potentially going for those top two spots.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48This whole place here is incredible, isn't it,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51in the build-up to the marathon? People are getting excited,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53people who are going to cross the line in six hours.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56They're over there, getting their supplements and feeling excited.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59You guys, it's a very different mind-set, I imagine,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02when you're in those final hours preparing.
0:08:02 > 0:08:03How are you feeling right now?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05I think it's a bit of a mixed emotion.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07You're excited, but you're also very nervous.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10You're just trying to... It's a mental game, more than anything,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12these last few days before the race.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14And I think you just have to find something
0:08:14 > 0:08:16that will take your mind off it,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18watch a movie, read a book, whatever...
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Just try and not focus so much on the race.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23Conditions will determine the kind of race it is.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- It's going to be a bit chilly, Scott.- You try not to,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27but you keep an eye on the weather
0:08:27 > 0:08:30throughout the whole week leading into it. And, yeah, I looked
0:08:30 > 0:08:32and it was supposed to be two degrees on the start.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Very best of luck to both of you and to all the British athletes.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39I look forward to interviewing you when you cross the finish line
0:08:39 > 0:08:41looking as sparkly and relaxed as you are right now.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44And, of course, these two here, Scott and Sonia,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46are just part of really strong fields
0:08:46 > 0:08:48in both the elite men's and women's race -
0:08:48 > 0:08:51one of the strongest ever assembled at any marathon.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Here's Phil Jones with a look at the runners and riders.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Eliud Kipchoge is the sixth-fastest marathon man of all time.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01His record since 2013 -
0:09:01 > 0:09:05six marathon starts, five wins, one second place.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07He defends his London crown.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11Wilson Kipsang was defeated in a sprint finish last year.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14Twice a London Marathon champion and the course record holder,
0:09:14 > 0:09:16he's back to resume the Kenyan duel,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18and aims to be just the fourth man in history
0:09:18 > 0:09:21to win a hat-trick of titles here.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24Another Kenyan, Dennis Kimetto, is the world-record holder,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27the first man to go sub two hours three minutes for a marathon.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30But he hasn't won a race since that staggering record
0:09:30 > 0:09:32won him Berlin 17 months ago.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34He was third here last year.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39Ethiopia's Tigist Tufa won the Women's London Marathon title
0:09:39 > 0:09:43last year, ending a run of four consecutive Kenyan wins.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45She's back to defend her crown.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Mary Keitany lost out to Tufa last year,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50but she's twice won the title
0:09:50 > 0:09:53and is the second-fastest woman of all time.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56The reigning two-time New York Marathon champion
0:09:56 > 0:09:58leads the Kenyan challenge.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Twice a long-distance world champion,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Florence Kiplagat's London best was a runners-up spot two years ago.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Kenya's world-record holder for the half-marathon
0:10:08 > 0:10:10returns to try to top that.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Well, there should be some fantastic races tomorrow,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17with elite athletes going for times or victory.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19But for 35,000 other runners,
0:10:19 > 0:10:21the reasons for being there are very different.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24For some, it's because their own lives have changed.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27And for many, it's because they want to change the lives of others.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36When he was just five,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Stuart Eggleshaw lost his mother to pancreatic cancer.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43The 44-year-old from Mansfield is running for the charity Smiles
0:10:43 > 0:10:45and Cancer Research UK,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48after beating his own health battles.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Following a car crash in 2012,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53he lost a staggering 22st and 9lbs
0:10:53 > 0:10:55through the Body Magic programme
0:10:55 > 0:10:58that promotes healthy eating and exercise.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01He's making his marathon debut.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Barnsley's Becky Rend will have her cousin in mind
0:11:04 > 0:11:06when she covers the marathon course
0:11:06 > 0:11:08in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance charity.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12The cousin in question is Leah Washington,
0:11:12 > 0:11:14who had a left leg amputated after a headline-making crash
0:11:14 > 0:11:17on a roller-coaster at Alton Towers last year.
0:11:17 > 0:11:2025-year-old legal assistant Becky
0:11:20 > 0:11:23knows that without the work of Air Ambulance that June day,
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Leah might not be alive.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29Heather Duff was 12 when she ran the mini London Marathon in 1999
0:11:29 > 0:11:32and promised herself she'd return one day
0:11:32 > 0:11:34to complete the full adult course.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37Two years ago, the 29-year-old from West Lothian
0:11:37 > 0:11:40was diagnosed with a rare form of cervical cancer.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44So rare, in fact, it was only the 19th reported case.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Now in remission, Heather will fulfil her marathon vow
0:11:47 > 0:11:51while raising money for Cancer Research UK.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00Just a handful of some of the incredible and inspirational stories
0:12:00 > 0:12:01of the many thousands of people
0:12:01 > 0:12:04who will be pounding the streets on Sunday.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06And you may well recognise quite a few of those faces, as well.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09And one of them here, James Cracknell,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12has been a familiar sight on the streets of London
0:12:12 > 0:12:13over the last few years.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15How many are you up to now, then, James?
0:12:15 > 0:12:18This will be my fifth - if I make it all the way to the finish.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20You won't just make it, you'll do it in an impressive time, as well.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- You always say... - Talk's cheap at this stage.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26You ask anyone around here now, they'll have a good idea.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- But then they all change on the day.- Sum it up for us.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- What's so special about this marathon?- It's not like running.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33For the first half, it's unlike running
0:12:33 > 0:12:36because there are loads of people running with you
0:12:36 > 0:12:39and loads of people cheering on all the runners, which doesn't...
0:12:39 > 0:12:41So you don't notice the first 13 miles?
0:12:41 > 0:12:45You get through a fair bit for free and then it does start to come back.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Actually, Tower Bridge is probably the best and worst place,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51because you cross and it's halfway,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54but you've got to turn right and run round Canary Wharf.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59And when I get there, the elite runners are already running back.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01And you're thinking, "Oh...!"
0:13:01 > 0:13:04And then you've got to go the other way, so, you know...
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Well, James, you're not the only Olympian in town,
0:13:06 > 0:13:10because Dame Kelly Holmes, double gold-medal winner, of course,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13from the 2004 Athens Olympics in the 800 and 1,500 metres,
0:13:13 > 0:13:17has turned her hand to the just over 42,000-metre race
0:13:17 > 0:13:19for the first time ever.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21She's not saying just yet
0:13:21 > 0:13:23how quickly she thinks she's going to go,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26but she has been getting a few tips from Paula Radcliffe.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42So this is a nice place to come and train and put in some miles.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43Yeah, it is nice, actually.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46It's only sort of part of a route that I normally do.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48But it's nice that I've got off the tarmac,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50because that's what I find hard.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Good. And that's what I think you're going to find
0:13:52 > 0:13:54will be your hardest thing.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56It's not going to be the fitness to run the marathon.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It'll be your muscles just used to the pounding of that distance.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02It makes my legs ache thinking about it, Paula!
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- Shall we see how your legs have recovered?- Let's go!
0:14:10 > 0:14:14I'm just not a long-distance runner. I literally know that.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18Because even when I was training, my longest run would probably be,
0:14:18 > 0:14:21like, an hour on a Sunday or something or a recovery run.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- But just literally... - But it was a quick hour.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- No, only when I was with you! Only if I actually go out with you!- No.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29You just, like, sprint from the start!
0:14:29 > 0:14:33Because I'm up on my toes so much and the way that...
0:14:33 > 0:14:37You know, I was speaking to one of the physios and the doctor
0:14:37 > 0:14:39and he actually looked at my hips
0:14:39 > 0:14:42and he says the way my hips are actually twisted
0:14:42 > 0:14:45allowed me to do what I did as a middle-distance runner.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47You know, the power and that.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49And now he says, "Now you're trying to do longer stuff,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51"it's changing you biomechanically.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53"So you're sitting back more
0:14:53 > 0:14:56"and it's actually now putting so much pressure on your hips."
0:14:56 > 0:14:59It's not for the willingness to do it, knowing I have to do it.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02But then, you know, when you're in pain for five days after,
0:15:02 > 0:15:04you're just like, "Oh, my gosh...!"
0:15:04 > 0:15:06But now I've opened my mouth, I'm doing it.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09And you've got a big motivation to keep you through it
0:15:09 > 0:15:12with kind of the motivation of that target, which is a huge target.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15£250,000 for five charities.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Yeah, it's a driver.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21You know, I think when you've got something as a driver,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24that's what's keeping me going, that's why I have to do it now.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28I've done charity for years and I feel passionate about that.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30I've always given back and I always will,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34but I think, if I can just do one massive, massive push, let's do it.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37So I decided I was going to do London, Paula.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Best of luck to Kelly. Although I'm sure she has got a time in mind.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47But as she says, it's raising £250,000 for charity
0:15:47 > 0:15:49that's the important goal.
0:15:49 > 0:15:50And it's pounds of a different kind
0:15:50 > 0:15:52that inspires other people to run.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55Maybe they want to get fit, lose a little bit of weight.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57And if you've been inspired today thinking,
0:15:57 > 0:15:58"I fancy a bit of that marathon running,"
0:15:58 > 0:16:00check out the BBC Sport website.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Go to the Get Inspired pages,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04where you can find out all kinds of details about running clubs
0:16:04 > 0:16:07and other sporting activities in your area.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10You're never too old or too young or, in some cases, too silly
0:16:10 > 0:16:12to start marathon running.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Check out these athletes here,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17who have got some world records of their own that they're after.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Among the potential world-record breakers are Ian Bates
0:16:21 > 0:16:23as a stunted T-rex,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26bidding to become the fastest 3-D dinosaur-dressed runner
0:16:26 > 0:16:27to complete the marathon.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Worthy of a RAPTOR-ous reception!
0:16:29 > 0:16:33This gingerbread man needs to run as fast as he can to take the biscuits.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Richard Kell is the name.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37The quickest marathon in a four-man costume -
0:16:37 > 0:16:39that's the aim of this fire crew,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42celebrating the 150th anniversary of the London Fire Brigade.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Alarm-free, we hope.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Mirror, mirror, on the wall,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Lisa Wilkinson is the feistiest of them all,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52running her 25th marathon with a Snow White record in mind.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55It's the appliance of strength and stamina
0:16:55 > 0:16:58for marathon-mad Philip Box and his tumble dryer.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00And while he'll be putting his back into it,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03it's a show of strength, too, from Stephen Reading.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06His target - to become the fastest circus strongman
0:17:06 > 0:17:08to complete the marathon.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12Ryan Dearing's a hot dog with added relish and extra mustard.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16He'll need it all to become the hot-dog-clad record holder.
0:17:16 > 0:17:17Hiya!
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Bob Johnson's two-man canoe could be his victory vessel,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24as he dips his oar into marathon-record waters.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27When camouflage makes you stand out in a crowd,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31it has to be Corin Leach, in pursuit of a ghillie-suited record.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Has wings, will fly.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Well, at least she'll try.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Fay Morse hopes to give Tinker Bell a run for her money
0:17:38 > 0:17:41and become the fleetest of fairies.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45Link by link and yard by yard, the great crusade for Dave Cook
0:17:45 > 0:17:49is to break the record for running in chain mail.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Well, it takes all sorts.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53As this man here knows.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- Jon Scott is attempting a world record dressed like this.- I am.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- How quick have you got to run to get your record?- Four-and-a-half hours.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03And what kind of time would you normally run in regular clothing?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05This will be my first-ever marathon.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07But I think I could probably do a regular marathon
0:18:07 > 0:18:10in around about three-and-a-half to three forty-five.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12So I've got a little bit of margin, hopefully.
0:18:12 > 0:18:14- It should be a doddle for you. - I'm sure, yeah.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Well, you are a man of fitness.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19You're in charge of fitness for the European Space Agency,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21hence Tim Peake stood between us,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23because you're the man responsible for getting these guys fit
0:18:23 > 0:18:24when they go up into space.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27So what kind of things would you have done with Tim
0:18:27 > 0:18:29before he embarked on his expedition?
0:18:29 > 0:18:32So before Tim flies, we have to make sure he is as healthy as he can be.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34So not as fit as he can be.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37So we're not trying to create elite runners or weightlifters.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40But he needs to be ready to exercise very hard on the space station.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Libby, one of your colleagues,
0:18:42 > 0:18:46is demonstrating how it will look for Tim Peake on Sunday.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50This is the kind of equipment that he's going to be in.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52So talk us through...
0:18:52 > 0:18:53Hi, Libby, by the way.
0:18:53 > 0:18:54..what Libby's wearing.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57So one of the unique things about running in space
0:18:57 > 0:18:58is you have no body weight.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01The first time you touch the deck, you would simply float away.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03So we have to give Tim a special harness
0:19:03 > 0:19:05which actually pulls him onto the treadmill
0:19:05 > 0:19:07and actually allows him to run.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09The more loading we use in the harness,
0:19:09 > 0:19:10the more difficult the run becomes.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12But the more loading we use,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14the more pressure Tim feels through his shoulders and his hips.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17So very much like wearing a heavy rucksack.
0:19:17 > 0:19:18So the challenge for Tim will be
0:19:18 > 0:19:20to try and find the right amount of loading
0:19:20 > 0:19:23that will allow him to run for three to four hours,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26and the right amount of running speed - the combination of the two -
0:19:26 > 0:19:27will give him the challenge that he wants.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29And he'll have a screen, as well.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31So he'll be going through the streets of London,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34seeing all the landmarks along the way. Which will help him, I guess.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37He will, yes. So for normal exercise countermeasures,
0:19:37 > 0:19:39we simply have a treadmill with a wall in front of it.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41So it's not the most stimulating environment.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Luckily, for his marathon, we will have a screen in front of him,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46it will show the whole route and he will match up
0:19:46 > 0:19:51the running speed with the video route and so he will cross
0:19:51 > 0:19:55the finish line in the video at the same time he finishes 26.2 miles.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56OK, well, I will leave you two to it.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Best of luck for the record on Sunday.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02He is obviously in good shape, Tim Peake,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05and preparing well for his marathon challenge.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08So, to find out just how well it is going, we sent Steve Cram to
0:20:08 > 0:20:10be our Ground Control to Major Tim.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20Hi, Tim. Steve Cram here from BBC Sport.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23You're one of tens of thousands who are going to be taking
0:20:23 > 0:20:26part, in your own unique way, on Sunday.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Most of them will probably say they haven't done enough training.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Do you fall into the same category,
0:20:32 > 0:20:34and what particular issues have you been facing?
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Hello, Steve. It is great to be talking to you this afternoon.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39I have got a guilty admission,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42I probably do fall into that same category.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44I don't think you can ever do enough training for a marathon
0:20:44 > 0:20:48but I have certainly been putting in the miles on the T2 treadmill,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50is what we call it up here on the space station.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53I have done a few half-marathons and a little bit longer
0:20:53 > 0:20:58distance as well so I am comfortable I can run the marathon on Sunday.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01But I am sure there will be a few points where I will be wishing
0:21:01 > 0:21:02I did a bit more training.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Most people have something that will keep them going on Sunday.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08For some, it will be the cause they're running for,
0:21:08 > 0:21:10for some it will be maybe the finish line.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12I know you have a brilliant view out of the window
0:21:12 > 0:21:15but what is going to keep you going in your own particular marathon?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18Music you listen to, or things you're thinking about?
0:21:18 > 0:21:19What will keep you motivated?
0:21:19 > 0:21:21That is a great question.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23I think there are a number of things that will keep me motivated.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27One of the main memories I have of 1999,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30when I ran the London Marathon before, was the atmosphere
0:21:30 > 0:21:34and the crowd and the other competitors taking part.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38That spirit really lifted me the entire way through the race,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41so in order to try and get some of that up here on board the space
0:21:41 > 0:21:43station, I have got a couple of things.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Firstly, I have the RunSocial app,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48so I will be looking at the route I am running
0:21:48 > 0:21:50and I will be running alongside everybody else who is running
0:21:50 > 0:21:53the digital version of the London Marathon.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Also, hopefully I will get the telly sent up to
0:21:56 > 0:21:57the space station as well.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00So at times I will be able to see what is going on with
0:22:00 > 0:22:04the real race in London, which will be a huge boost to me,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07to be able to know I'm running alongside everyone down there.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Of course, people like Jon and Libby, who are running alongside me,
0:22:10 > 0:22:14and everybody from Team Astronaut, from the Prince's Trust as well.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17It is great to know I have got all that support down there
0:22:17 > 0:22:20and I am running for a great cause, that will keep me going.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It goes without saying that everyone who takes
0:22:24 > 0:22:26part in the London Marathon is a hero.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29But some people deserve a special mention.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33David Weir, who equalled Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson's six
0:22:33 > 0:22:36victories in London. Going for the magnificent seven, David.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38I'm trying to, yes.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- How has preparation gone?- I have had a really good winter, actually.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43A lot of mileage, back in the gym.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46I don't know if it is because it is an Olympic year
0:22:46 > 0:22:47and you just get that buzz again.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49I raced in Boston on Sunday but, you know,
0:22:49 > 0:22:53it was the first time doing that course and I came fourth.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56I was a bit gutted afterwards but after I thought about it,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59I'm getting ready for this race on Sunday.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03What is it going to take to win it for a seventh time, do you think?
0:23:03 > 0:23:07It is going to take beating Marcel, Kurt and Ernst at the moment.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10They are the three guys that are really pushing well at the moment.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14This course suits me and it is a bit more technical, it is
0:23:14 > 0:23:16not as fast and furious like Boston.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19So hopefully it will suit me on Sunday.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Best of luck, David, going for the magnificent seven on Sunday.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- We'll all be rooting for you. - Thank you.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Every year, the London Marathon teams up with an official
0:23:27 > 0:23:31charity partner. This year it is the turn of the NSPCC,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34which, incredibly, is celebrating 30 years of ChildLine.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37They have helped millions of children in that time.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41On Sunday, a group of young people will be running under
0:23:41 > 0:23:43the name Team ChildLine,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46to help represent those voices that they have helped.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52When I run, I sort of feel free.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55I'm mainly running the marathon because of what happened to me and
0:23:55 > 0:24:00my story but also for all the other stories that people haven't shared.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03I think the team element is something really special.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06For each of us, individually, to run a marathon,
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I don't think it's anything any of us would have ever dreamed of.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I don't really know where I would be if it wasn't for ChildLine.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18I definitely wouldn't be the same person I am now.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21I don't really want to think about how things could have been.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26I think I was about 14 or 15 and there were a lot of things
0:24:26 > 0:24:29going on in my life that I couldn't make sense of.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33I didn't know how to deal with those feelings,
0:24:33 > 0:24:37and I think because I had quite low confidence and self-esteem,
0:24:37 > 0:24:41I didn't know, like, if I could speak to people about things.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45I just didn't know kind of where to turn.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48I have been bullied throughout my time at school.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52It started online, comments which obviously weren't about me.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56But everyone sort of knew they were about me.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58The bullying did eventually, like, become something that
0:24:58 > 0:25:02happened in school. So that was quite tricky to, like, deal with.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05It was quite lonely and isolating, I guess.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10I turned to ChildLine and, I think, when I found them online,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13the website, I remember just spending hours looking through.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17I was reassured that it could be anything.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21If it is affecting you and is making you feel low or
0:25:21 > 0:25:24anything, then, yeah, they are there for you.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26ChildLine actually helped me understand what was going on
0:25:26 > 0:25:28and talk about it.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33It was a huge weight being lifted, so that was an amazing feeling.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35The main piece of tactical advice ChildLine gave me
0:25:35 > 0:25:37was writing things down.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40I started writing letters to myself, from then,
0:25:40 > 0:25:44explaining what was going on so I wasn't bottling it up any more.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Hello, you're through to someone you can talk to.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51There was an opportunity to volunteer with ChildLine and,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55yeah, it was a massive step, but I took it.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Being able to train as a ChildLine counsellor myself,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01I literally don't have words for it, it's amazing.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05I think having that little bit of insight is just really special
0:26:05 > 0:26:08because it means I can sit there and be like, "I want to help you,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10"I want to help you get through this."
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Like they did with me.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16I'm helping the new campaigns and different things the NSPCC do.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18That has been amazing, like.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20I was someone who was contacting ChildLine
0:26:20 > 0:26:24and now I'm helping to get the message out to other people.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29Running it is such a good image of how ChildLine supports
0:26:29 > 0:26:30young people.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33There are hurdles to overcome
0:26:33 > 0:26:37and still kind of difficulties on the way but you have got that
0:26:37 > 0:26:40crowd cheering you on and there is that finish line in sight.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43I really just hope my story encourages people who haven't
0:26:43 > 0:26:45contacted ChildLine to contact ChildLine
0:26:45 > 0:26:48and those that are contacting ChildLine to continue
0:26:48 > 0:26:51and those who have, to possibly volunteer or try
0:26:51 > 0:26:55and donate money and help NSPCC carry on what they are doing.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Doing it to raise awareness of ChildLine and to
0:26:58 > 0:27:02celebrate its 30th birthday, I think it's such a good way to celebrate it
0:27:02 > 0:27:05and be like, "This service really changes lives."
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Such a special team and very best of luck to them all.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16A great way to finish this look ahead to the London Marathon.
0:27:16 > 0:27:1935,000 runners of all shapes and sizes
0:27:19 > 0:27:21and all kinds of backgrounds will be taking part,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24hoping to finish this globally iconic event.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27You can see it all on the BBC.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Tomorrow, coverage starts at 8.30 on BBC One
0:27:30 > 0:27:34and coverage across BBC Radio, online and social-media channels.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38So the 36th London Marathon is upon us, and tomorrow,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41at some point, the millionth finisher will cross the line.
0:27:41 > 0:27:46Another incredible milestone in this truly uplifting human race.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50Best of luck to all of you. Sleep well tonight. I'll see you tomorrow.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57Some 7,000 men and women are preparing to embark
0:27:57 > 0:28:01on what for almost each and every one has become a personal crusade.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06# How far we've gone
0:28:08 > 0:28:11# How far we're going
0:28:13 > 0:28:16# It's the here and the now
0:28:16 > 0:28:19# And the love for the sound
0:28:19 > 0:28:25# Of the moments that keep us moving
0:28:25 > 0:28:31# Soldier on, soldier on
0:28:31 > 0:28:36# Don't think about it at all
0:28:40 > 0:28:48# Yeah, will you take me tonight?
0:28:48 > 0:28:58# Yeah, will you take me tonight?
0:28:58 > 0:29:05# Yeah
0:29:17 > 0:29:21# Soldier on, soldier on. #