The men's wheelchair marathon features one of the greatest field's ever assembled with Weir, the double Beijing 2008 Paralympic champion, set face the likes of Canadian Josh Cassidy, who clocked the world's best ever marathon time in Boston earlier this week, and South African Ernst van Dyk, the nine time Boston Marathon winner.

But Weir, the double Beijing 2008 Paralympic champion, admits that it will be a special victory for him he can claim the top spot as it would mean that he will equal Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson's record of six titles.

"It's a great honour if I can equal Tanni's record," said the 32-year-old Londoner.

"She's a great role model for everybody in sport and especially in this race.

"I'm feeling good after putting in a lot of mileage over the winter.

"I've gone back to my training centre at St. Mary's and have been injury free in 2012.

"But it's going to be the hardest race of my life on Sunday."

Cassidy (pictured), a close friend and training partner of Weir, could prove the biggest threat to the British favourite after his superb performance in Boston earlier this week and he will be looking for his second title after winning the race back in 2010.


It marks a timely return to form for the Canadian because Cassidy's winter was troubled by ill-health, family and equipment issues which have affected his training.

"This year, there was a time when they thought I had cancer again," he said.

"I had Neuroblastoma [cancer of the spine and abdomen] when I was born, and recently met a young girl from Oxford with the same type.

"I was touched by her story, so I will be raising money for her charity – Niamh's Next Steps - to make sure she gets the treatment she needs."

Meanwhile van Dyk is one of the most experienced racers in the event at the age of 39 but is looking for his first victory in London following second and third place finishes.

"London has never been good to me," he said.

"In my racing career, I've sometimes been surprised by my races.

"That's sport for you.

"That's what makes it exciting and makes us come back.

"But I've been doing this racing thing for 20 years and never before have I seen such a brilliant class field.

"There may be one or two missing from the world so if you win this on Sunday - it's big."

Two others who have come back are veteran Japanese racer Masazumi Soejima and world record holder Heinz Frei of Switzerland.

Soejima has fast times in his resume, and won both Boston and New York last year, while Frei can still challenge the young stars at 54.


Meanwhile in the women's race, defending champion Amanda McGrory is aiming to retain the title she won in London last year.

The 25-year-old American arrives in London after recent wins in Paris and New York and admits she is full of confidence.

"I'm hoping for a good race after winning New York and Paris," she said.

"It will definitely be a test of my ability at the finish.

"Breaking off from the group is always hard and there tends to be three, four or five racers together."

Britain's Shelly Woods provides will also be confident of victory after the 26-year-old from Blackpool was narrowly beaten into second place by McGrory last year by under a second.

"It was an exciting finish last year and we should all expect a sprint finish this time round," she said.

"Whoever wins, they're going to have to work hard as it's the toughest field so far.



Tatyana McFadden (pictured) of America will also be a major threat in the race after winning in Chicago last year shortly after her fourth place finish in London.

"Knowing the course certainly helps," she said.

"Whatever race you're in is different and the weather can help."

McFadden's compatriot Shirley Reilly will be another major threat after winning Boston this week while Japanese racer Wakako Tsuchida, Sandra Graf of Switzerland and Canadian Diane Roy also feature in a stellar field.

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