Radcliffe eyes more success in London

All eyes will be on British star Paula Radcliffe as she attempts to smash her own world record, while Paul Tergat's hunt for victory in the men's race promises to provide plenty of excitement on Sunday.

Here are the runners likely to make an impact in the elite men and women's races.

MEN - Start time: 0945 BST

World record holder Khalid Khannouchi will miss out on the chance to defend his title after withdrawing with tonsillitis.

But his loss could be Paul Tergat's gain.

The Kenyan has too often had to settle for second best, both on the athletics track and in the Marathon.

After finishing behind Abdelkader El Mouaziz of Morrocco on his London debut in 2001, the 33-year-old lost out the following year as Khannouchi set a new world record of two minutes five minutes and 38 seconds.

Tergat (in red) finished second last year

This could be his chance to shine, although he may face some stiff competition from Mouaziz, who is seeking his third victory in London, and world and Olympic champion Gezahegne Abera of Ethiopia.

Other challengers include Tergat's compatriots, 23-year-old Raymond Kipkoech and 26-year-old Daniel Njenga.

Kipkeoch caused a sensation in 2002 when he took four minutes off his best time to win the Berlin Marathon in 2:06:16, while Njenga grabbed a surprise second in Chicago last year, slashing five minutes off his personal best.

Steinle pull out of London

The home nation's chances in the men's race look bleak after the withdrawal of Mark Steinle last weekend.

The 27-year-old has been the first British man to cross the line for the past three years.

But his absence, along with Matt O'Dowd's, means Paula Radcliffe is now the fastest Briton in the race, male or female.

WOMEN - Start time: 0900 BST

The question is not so much whether Paula Radcliffe can win again, but rather how fast she can go.

The British star had a fantastic year in 2002, winning the London Marathon on her first appearance, setting a world record in Chicago and grabbing Commonwealth and European gold.

She has her eyes set on smashing her record at this year's event and it looks as though it will be difficult to stop her.

Her closest challengers will be double Boston and Chicago champion Catherine Ndereba of Kenya, and Ethiopian legend Derartu Tulu, who won the London Marathon in 2001.

Elsewhere, Romanian racer Constantina Dita and the USA's Deena Drossin, who burst on the marathon scene in New York two years ago, are also likely to be in the front pack.

One curious name in the women's field is South African blast from the past Zola Budd-Pieterse, who earned sporting infamy at the 1984 Olympics for her clash with American Mary Decker-Slaney.