However, the elite fields of both races are still incredibly strong, with new world half-marathon record-holder Jacob Kiplimo facing the defending champion Alex Mutiso, the former world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge and the Olympic champion Tamirat Tola.
Cairess became the fastest British debutant of all time in 2023 when he ran the marathon in 2:08:07 and he followed it up with a time of 2:06:46 in the race last year – making a shot at Farah’s record a legitimate goal.
The elite women’s field, meanwhile, includes the world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, the Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and the former world record-holder Tigst Assefa.
“I was really looking forward to racing the world’s best marathon runners and to build on the progress I have made over the marathon distance,” the 27-year-old athlete said.
Emile Cairess’s hopes of becoming the fastest British runner over 26.2 miles have been put on hold after he was forced to pull out of the London Marathon with an ankle injury.
