The greatest marathon show in the world is about to roll into town and the greatest marathon runner in history will be there. Yes, it's time for the postponed TCS London Marathon, with its newly minted title sponsor, to take over the streets of the capital city for the 42nd time on Sunday 2nd October.      

The biggest name announced by organisers, London Marathon Events, is Eliud Kipchoge but after lopping 30 seconds off his own world record in Berlin last Sunday (25 September) the Kenyan icon will be restricting his role to presenting medals to the age group winners in the TCS Mini London Marathon on Saturday 1st October – the first time the Mini Marathon has taken place the day before the main event.

The TCS London Marathon will feature several winners of London Mini Marathons but one previous champion, Sir Mo Farah, has had to withdraw due to a troublesome hip injury that has failed to respond to treatment to allow the British record holder to bid for a podium place.

As for the elite fields, Sir Mo Farah's withdrawal was preceded some time ago by Eilish McColgan's announcement that her marathon debut will be deferred to the TCS London Marathon next April – when Farah also hopes to return to the 26.2 miles challenge.

In their absence, the top home contenders are likely to be last year's leading British athletes Phil Sesemann (Leeds City), who has a 2:12:58 PB, and Charlotte Purdue (Aldershot) with a 2:23:26 PB. 

Meanwhile, at the sharp end of the elite women's field, the withdrawal of world record holder Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) with a mild hamstring injury could provide a golden opportunity for defending champion Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya, 2:17:43) or the equally fast Ethiopians Yalemzerf Yehualaw (2:17:23) and Ashete Bekere (2:17:58). 

The men's race features the second and third fastest marathon runners of all time, Ethiopians Kenenisa Bekele (2:01:41) and Birhanu Legese (2:02:48), plus last year's champion Sisay Lemma (Ethiopia, 2:03:36).

It's set to be a huge weekend of running across Britain as London Marathon is on the same day as two of Scotland's premier events with Glasgow set to host Great Scottish Run and the Highlands welcoming back Baxter's Loch Ness Marathon.

Image of Phil Sesemann courtesy London Marathon