There are high hopes for Tergat this year

This year the 32-year-old Kenyan is hungrier than ever to win the London title as he faces up against old track rival Haile Gebrselassie.

Like his Ethiopian opponent, Tergat boasts impressive track credentials, including world records and Olympic medals, but had to settle for silver when the two met in the 10,000m at Sydney 2000.

However, the half marathon record holder has already shown what he can do, finishing runner up in his London debut last year and winning the Great North Run in September.

Khannouchi holds the marathon record

The Moroccan, who grabbed third in 2000, returns to the London Marathon after a two-year absence.

He will be hoping to put the injury setbacks of last year behind him and find the form that earned him the world record time of two hours 5.42 minutes at the Chicago Marathon in 1999.

With half marathon victories in Kyoto and San Blas already notched up in the last couple of months, the 30-year-old will be one of the ones to watch on 14 April.

Tulu is confident of victory

The Ethiopian legend returns to London to defend her women's title and hold off a host of challengers including old rival Paula Radcliffe.

But if anyone can do it, Tulu can, having proved herself as one of the leading women distance runners in the world.

The 29-year-old has won two Olympic gold medals in the 10,000m as well as three world cross country titles, and shows no signs of letting up.

Tosa is shaping up for London

The diminutive runner heads up the Japanese challenge and, despite facing a tough international field, could be a strong outside bet.

Tosa has emerged from the shadows of compatriots Naoko Takahashi, who won the gold medal at Sydney 2000 and Eri Yamaguchi to join the ranks of the global elite.

The 25-year-old's efforts were rewarded with a silver at the World Championships in Edmonton and a series of strong domestic performances last year .

Steinle looks in good shape

The 27-year-old may not be a leading contender on 14 April, but he is Britain's best chance of success in the men's race.

Steinle has been the first British runner across the line for the past two years, finishing a creditable sixth in 2001 with a personal best time of 2:10:46.

The Blackheath Harrier will be hoping to break the 2:10 barrier at this year's event and seems to have recovered from niggling injuries that forced out of the World Championships team last summer.