AS WELL as giving several hundred thousand people something to watch this Sunday, the London Marathon will also be raising money for London sport.


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Out of the profits made from last year’s sponsorship deals, the Marathon handed over nearly £5M to kit out a variety of facilities including gyms, clubhouses and a new jetty. Funds, some £2M of them, are also used to help save the capital’s playing fields.

“We are passionate about saving London playing fields from the threat of commercial development,” said John Disley, chair of the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

“We are ready to respond quickly when another one comes under threat.”

There might be rain to negotiate this weekend, but about half a million people are once again expected to line the route, creating the usual carnival atmosphere.

They’ll be joined by some 35,000 brave souls taking on the 26 mile 385 yard (42.195 km) course from Greenwich to The Mall via some of London’s most eye-catching landmarks.

Landmarks won’t be the only things to catch the eye, so the runners hope anyway.

The race combines amateur runners who realize just how long the River Thames is when winding around it by foot; competitive champions aiming be first to arrive at the Mall; and people slowly shuffling along in large fancy dress charity costumes.

The most popular places for onlookers have historically been the start and end points, but over the years people have cottoned on to the fact that less crowds equal better views, which translates into finding spots on the Isle of Dogs.

For latest news on the London Marathon and good places to watch its progress, try the official site.