London Olympic Marathon Plans ‘Spectacular’ say Running Greats Gebrselassie, Radcliffe and Tergat
London: The high profile Marathon course proposed for the London 2012 Olympic Games will draw on the best the capital has to offer, including an unprecedented number of world famous landmarks and some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions.
The landmark-studded marathon route will start at Tower Bridge and pass the British Airways London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Place, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and other iconic locations and landmarks en route to the finish line in the new Olympic Stadium in Stratford in east London.
London will be transformed into one of the most spectacular Olympic settings of all for the historic marathon events.
Evocative landmarks familiar around the world will provide a tapestry of beauty and grandeur to showcase Olympic athletes in the heart of London, the world’s most visited city, London 2012 Olympic Bid organisers revealed today.
Olympic marathon runners will complete three laps of a central London course before heading for the new high tech Olympic Park stadium in east London where the race will finish.
The final details of the London 2012 marathon course were confirmed today on the eve of the Flora London Marathon, which celebrates its 25 anniversary this Sunday as one of the world’s premier long distance running events.
The London Olympic Marathon course – which builds on the London Marathon route – will be a journey through one of the world’s great capital cities, making the most of the capital’s historic monuments to create a ‘landmark’ Olympic marathon event.
The London Marathon course was designed by London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games organisers in conjunction with London Marathon organisers and UK Athletics.
London 2012 Chairman, Sebastian Coe, said London’s famous sights and settings will help to make the London 2102 Marathon a unique and unforgettable Olympic experience for all involved.
“We wanted to design a course that will create lasting memories and moments for the runners, spectators, television audiences and the Olympic Movement; a course that will inspire a new generation of athletes and runners,” said Coe, a double Olympic Gold medallist.
Speaking on the eve of the Flora London Marathon, one of the highlights of the international sporting calendar, three of the world’s long distance running greats strongly endorsed London Olympic marathon route as spectacular for athletes.
Paul Tergat, the Kenyan Marathon world record holder, said: “I enjoy running in Britain – the people are very passionate about sport and have really got behind me in my races. Racing in the London Marathon is great – the experience from the race organisation through to the welcome given to all the international athletes is excellent. I think the city, with its fantastic history and multi-cultural population would host a very good Olympic Games.”
Legendary Ethiopian double Olympic 10,000m champion Haile Gebrselassie, regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, said: “London is so special for me. When you run in London it feels like the whole city has come to run with you, and the crowds cheer for every runner, wherever they are from and whatever time they achieve. I know that London will build on the experience of the London Marathon and put on a fantastic Olympic Games. London is very well organised and that means that London organisers know what is best for the athletes. The London 2012 Marathon route is very exciting and goes through the heart of London. I will be too old to run in that Marathon but I hope to be here with my family watching and cheering everyone on in this great city.”
Britain’s Paula Radcliffe, the current women’s marathon world record holder, said: “I know from experience that the massive crowds and inspirational landmarks make London a great city to race in.”
Paula pointed out that the day of the London Marathon (17th April) is exactly 80 days to go to the IOC vote to choose which city will host the 2012 Games. She said: “In both races, your support really makes a difference, today, to me and every other runner. And for the next 80 days, to all of us who want to see the 2012 Games in the UK”.
The map of the London 2012 Marathon can be downloaded using the following link -http://www.london2012.com/en/news/press+room/images/marathon.htm
For further information about the London 2012 bid contact The London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0) 20 7093 5100.
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