Running legend Haile Gebrselassie said here on Thursday that the 2014 London Marathon could produce two of the greatest races in marathon history.

The 40-year-old Ethiopian, twice a world marathon record breaker himself, is running as lead pacemaker for an elite men's field on Sunday that includes four of the fastest 10 runners in history and seven from the all-time top 20.

Those who'll be following in his famous footsteps include the world record holder, Wilson Kipsang, the world and Olympic champion, Stephen Kiprotich, the defending London champion, Tsegaye Kebede, and the London course record holder, Emmanuel Mutai.

"Sunday will be very special because of who's in the field," said Gebrselassie, who set 27 world best times on track and road in his career.

"This is the best marathon ever," he said. "I've never seen such big names in one race. Both the men's and women's are like that. I'm happy just to be part of it. At least I can be there at the start of the race."

Having relied for years on pacemakers to break records himself, Gebrselassie admitted his first experience of the role would be a novel test.

"I've complained about pacemakers for many years, so on Sunday maybe they will be complaining about me," he said. "It's not an easy job. It's not just running at one pace, you have to balance everything - how the athletes are feeling, the course, everything.

"Everyone knows London is always fast for the first 10k, but it 's later in the race that counts. In the marathon you have to run evenly. You can't change gears all the time like you can in a shorter track race.

"When you take on this kind of responsibility you have to be careful. I will try my best, but it is a lot of pressure. When I dropped out as a competitor it only affected me, but if I drop out when I'm pacing it's not only me. It's better to compete, seriously." Endite

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