London record under threat as champions return to marathon

Tsegaye Kebede and Liliya Shobukhova will defend their Virgin London Marathon titles next year with race organisers predicting a course record.

Ethiopian Kebede finished just nine seconds outside Samuel Wanjiru's landmark time of 2hr 5min 10sec when he took the title.

Kenya's Emmanuel Mutai, who was second, and third-placed Jaouad Gharib, of Morocco, will also compete in the race on Sunday 17 April next year.

The women's event also features the top three from last year, when Shobukhova and Inga Abitova made it a Russian one-two ahead of Ethiopia's Aselefech Mergia.

The elite field, which was announced today, features six men quicker than two hours and six minutes and no fewer than 14 women, whose personal bests are under two hours and 24 minutes.

Race director David Bedford said: "We certainly expect the men's course record to be under threat again while the women's race looks likely to be one of the most competitive we've ever had."

Mara Yamauchi, runner-up in 2009, will again carry British hopes and is looking to make up for a disappointing 10th place last year.

The Japan-based runner had an energy-sapping six-day journey to get to the race to avoid the volcanic ash cloud.

London will also welcome back British Olympian Liz Yelling for the first time since 2008.