Double Olympic Champion, Dame Kelly Holmes is set to take on the 26.2 mile challenge in the British capital.
Holmes, 45, who won gold medals in the 800m and 1500m in Athens 2004, has confirmed she will be running the Virgin London Marathon amongst the thousands on April 24th.
“It’s the most amazing event, the atmosphere is incredible and now I can’t wait until Race Day.”
However, Holmes does have her worries about the race.
“26.2 miles is a very long way for a long-time retired, middle distance runner.
I will have to completely change my mindset to train for such a long distance but it’s a challenge that I am now up for, especially as for me it will all be about raising lots of money for charity.”
Holmes is running for four charities, including: the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, which supports athletes to transform their skills to change lives of disadvantage young people. Myeloma UK, as her mother is undergoing treatment for plasma cell cancer.
She will also raise funds for the Pickering Trust which provides emotional support for people affected by cancer.
Finally, the Hospice in the Weald charity, where her coach Dave Arnold passed away two years to the day after Holmes won 1500m gold in Athens.
By racing the London Marathon, Holmes will join an elite group of British Olympic track and field gold medallists: Chris Basher, Seb Coe, Lynn Davies, Mo Farah, Sally Gunnell, David Hemery and Mary Peters.
