By Chris Charles

Why the long face, John?

A Harlequins fan has spent the last few weeks scaring dogs in his area as he prepares to run the race dressed as the rugby league club's mascot.

John Cadogan has been pulling on the outfit of Buck the horse to pound the streets around his Twickenham home as he prepares for the big day - but not everyone has been receptive.

"The reactions I get from dogs are interesting," he told BBC Sport. "They don't know whether to bite you or run away!

"But the comments I've been getting off people as I run past have been really positive.

"I keep having to stop to shake hands with children and pose for photographs. And when you're running down the road you get lots of cars honking their horns at you!"

John, 30, who is raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, ran the race in 2001, clocking a respectable 4hrs 39 mins, but he admits he's unlikely to top that this time around.

I know all the spectators will be looking forward for a really nice, warm weekend but I am secretly hoping it is going to be cold

"I think anything under seven hours would be an achievement, depending on how my legs hold up and how hot it is on the day," he said.

"I wanted to give myself more of a challenge this time around, and Feltham Community College, where I teach PE, has strong links with Quins so it seemed a nice way of tying the two things together.

"The suit weighs 16lbs and is made of fur and there's a big head on there as well, so if it's a hot day it could be quite a difficult one, but I'm sure I'll survive!

"I know all the spectators will be looking forward for a really nice, warm weekend, but I am secretly hoping it is going to be cold on Sunday!"