FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Paula Radcliffe to open the London Marathon Expo
Paula Radcliffe will open the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon Expo at
London Dockland's ExCeL at 11:00 tomorrow, Wednesday 22 April, where some
37,000 runners are expected to register for this Sunday's 35th anniversary
edition of the race over the next four days.
Radcliffe, the women's marathon world record holder, will run what is
expected to be her final competitive race on Sunday 26 April, when she
returns to the event she won three times in four years between 2002 and
2005.
Radcliffe smashed the women's world record with her second victory here in
2003, still almost three minutes faster than any other woman in history has
completed the 26.2-mile distance, and she broke the world record for a
women's only race on her last appearance 10 years ago, a time that still
stands as the official London Marathon course record.
Now 41, she has fought back from a serious foot injury to be able to run
one last time in the event which first inspired her as a child in the early
1980s when she travelled to London from her home in Bedford to watch her
father run. Radcliffe will not start with the elite women's field this
year, but among the British championships runners who line up behind the
elite men on Blackheath.
"The London Marathon means so much to me," she said. "I've grown up with
it, watched it for so many years, and have really special memories from
2002, 2003 and 2005. I never thought I would be back here, so it's really
special and emotional that I've got a chance to do it again."
Once Radcliffe has opened the giant metal doors marked N3 tomorrow morning,
around 37,000 runners are expected to visit ExCeL before the Expo closes at
17:00 on Saturday, 25 April. Runners will pick up their race numbers and
Ipico Sports Timing Tags, and visit numerous stands, displays and
exhibitions dedicated to marathon running.
Some 70,000 people visit the London Marathon exhibition each year, and this
year's Expo is expected to be the biggest ever. Visitors will be able to
wander around the many exhibitors' stands, including all the major running
brands, charities and international races, numerous athletics magazines,
and a vast range of health and fitness products and services.
A number of elite runners and well-known faces will be appearing on stage
at the London Marathon Virgin Money Lounge, including Britain's superstar
wheelchair racer David Weir, London Marathon course record holder Wilson
Kipsang, men's world record holder Dennis Kimetto and multiple Paralympic
gold medallist Tatyana McFadden.
There will also be plenty of last-minute advice available at the Experts'
Corner where marathon coach Martin Yelling will be on hand, along with
pacing experts from Runner's World and sports scientists with nutrition and
hydration tips.
More information, including opening hours, can be found on the London
Marathon website: www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com
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