Paula Radcliffe has said that she is looking forward to competing in her final London Marathon this weekend.
The 41-year-old will take part in her final competitive marathon, despite previously admitting that she is unfit and unprepared for the race.
"I would love to have taken part in London in 2012 as my last competitive race at the front but we don't get to choose that," Radcliffe told the London Evening Standard.
"But I'm very lucky to have the long career that I've had and be given this opportunity that I have. It's an honour and a gift. It's such a magical special race — it is something that's hard to put into words how important it is."
Radcliffe has won the London Marathon three times, with her last victory coming in 2005.