London's 2012 route is designed for maximum visual impact

If London wins the 2012 Games, the marathon course will take in a host of the city's famous sights.

"I know from experience that the massive crowds and inspirational landmarks make London a great city to race in," said Radcliffe.

Tergat added: "I think the city would host a very good Olympic Games."

London's 2012 marathon route would start at Tower Bridge and take in the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and St Paul's Cathedral.

The runners would complete a three-lap course through central London before continuing on to the new Olympic Stadium in Stratford for the finish.

"We wanted to design a course that will create lasting memories and moments for the runners, spectators, television audiences and the Olympic movement," said London bid leader Lord Coe.

I know London will build on the experience of the London Marathon and put on a fantastic Olympics Haile Gebrselassie

The London Marathon is the capital's last chance to show off its ability to host a major sports event before the International Olympic Committee votes on 6 July.

The course has been decked out with promotional flags and banners and the London bid's leading sporting ambassador Sir Steve Redgrave will run the Marathon with the number 2012 on his vest.

An advert has also been released, featuring an image of marathon runners on Tower Bridge forming the number 80, the days to go until the vote.

The race will take place without Haile Gebrselassie, who decided not to take part as he is recovering from an Achilles injury.

But the Ethiopian has been in London to promote the race, and the city's 2012 bid.

"When you run in London it feels like the whole city has come to run with you," said Gebrselassie, who is an ambassador for the London bid.

"I know London will build on the experience of the London Marathon and put on a fantastic Olympics."