Another subplot today is qualification for this summer’s Olympics.

Charlotte Purdue, Calli Hauger-Thackery and Phil Sesemann have already secured their places for Team GB and there is space for two more men and one woman.

Emile Cairess was sixth on his London Marathon debut last year, producing the best finish among the home athletes and also recording a third-fastest British men’s time.

The men’s qualification standard is time two hours eight minutes and 8.04 seconds. The women’s time is 2:26:50.

Last year Cairess ran a 2:08:07 so that time is well within reach.

He trains with Sesemann and is hoping to join him on the train to Paris.

Cairess is joined in the men’s race by fellow Briton Callum Hawkins, who finished fourth at the World Championships.

Compatriot Marc Scott, a 3,000m bronze medallist at the 2022 World Indoor Championships – will make his marathon debut, as will Mahamed Mahamed.