Lel to face Olympic and World champions in London title defence

[Ryan]

London, UK - Defending champion Martin Lel will return to the British capital in April 2008 in a bid to claim his third Flora London Marathon title in four years, and among his challengers will face the reigning Olympic and World champions.

After winning in 2005 and again last year, Lel will become only the third man to win three London Marathons if he can capture the crown in the Mall on Sunday 13 April 2008. Only Mexico’s Dionicio Ceron, between 1994 and 1996, and Portugal’s Antonio Pinto, in 1992, 1997 and 2000, have won the London race three times since it was first held in 1981.

“I am very pleased to be able to defend my title”, said Lel, who also finished runner-up in London in 2006. “I am training hard to make sure I am in top shape for my bid to win a third time. I know it will be tough but I love running in London and am confident I can win again”.

IAAF article