By Tom Degun

DavidWeirVirginLondonMarathonFebruary 17 - Six-time Paralympic champion Dave Weir claimed he is determined to keep taking part in the Virgin London Marathon until he wins a record seventh title as he currently equal on six wins with Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson.


The 33-year-old Briton claimed his sixth London Marathon win last April shortly before becoming one of the major stars at the London 2012 Paralympic Games by winning four gold medals in the 800, 1500 and 5,000 metres T54, as well as the marathon.

Weir had suggested he would retire following the conclusion of London 2012 but has since stated that he will continue elite wheelchair racing, with another London Marathon win his next target.

This year's race is due to ake place on April 21 and Weir will be the overwhelming favourite for victory.

"I thought last year's [London Marathon] was my last one but when you sit and look at the record books, I'm still on equal par with Tanni Grey-Thompson," he told BBC London.

"I don't like being on equal par.

"Until I get that seventh win it might be my last one but it might be this year, next year or the one after.

"I'll carry on until I've got that record for the Marathon.

"Obviously there are other marathon races I'd like to try like Chicago, and I'd like to go to New York again."

"I'm looking at more road-racing this year than the track."

Dave Weir London MarathonDave Weir will be targeting a record seventh win in the Virgin London Marathon this year

Weir, who will also be targeting success at the 2013 IPC World Athletics Championships in Lyon this July, admitted the challenge of the London Marathon is something that hugely motivates him following his huge success last year.

"Mentally, more than physically, the build-up for London was seven years from when we won the bid," he said.

"There was a lot of pressure on British athletes.

"I did feel it but I didn't show it.

"It does mentally drain you for a while.

"You need a break from the pressure but then you have the hype after from the success you have had.

"I promised my family I wouldn't go back to training until after Christmas.

"It will be a tough ask to get into good shape for London but I like a challenge.

"To keep the fire in my belly I have still got challenges I want to fulfil."

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