London Marathon 2012: Runners Must Take Advantage of Last Chance for Olympics

The 2012 London Marathon presented by Virgin is one of the most prestigious events in the marathon world. Sunday, April 22 will mark the biggest day in a few Olympic hopefuls’ lives.

With the 2012 Summer Olympics in London this year, this will be the final qualifying marathon to get into the Olympic trials. With everything on the line, the runners have to go harder than they ever have for the final spots.

All of the preparation in the world can train you for the 26.2 mile run, but the pressure of making the Olympics is something that could make this burden too heavy to cope with. It could be even more stressful for British stars trying to make their home Olympic games.

English Olympic hopeful Lee Merrien told UKPA about his chance to get in the Olympics and the pressure doing it on your last chance can bring:

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There were always only going to be a few places up for grabs. The Olympics is the biggest stage but pressure is good. People raise their game in pressure situations. It's a good thing for me as far as I'm concerned. It can only be a help. There will be no shortage of people in our group wanting to run 2:11 and having someone who is comfortable running 65:30 at halfway will be great. We'll be pushing each other on.

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With beautiful weather on the horizon and plenty of time to get ready, the pressure of the race being the last before the Olympics and in the same place the Olympics will be held, there is no reason to think that the runners could break the marathon record.

Not only will fans see the best in the world trying to win a single marathon, this is their final practice run before their biggest test as an athlete: the Olympic games.

There is nothing left to compete for and these runners will be excreting effort than they ever have. This could be the greatest marathon finish in history if the pack stays as tight as many think it will. I know I’m excited!

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