Farah faces tough examination in London Marathon

British track legend Mo Farah had few peers in distance championship running but he may find a few better than him on the road in tomorrow's London Marathon.

The 35-year-old -- who achieved the Olympic double of 5000/10000 metres champion twice -- couldn't hope for a better send off in his second tilt at his home marathon than for Queen Elizabeth II due to press the start button from a specially erected podium at Windsor Castle.

However, with the likes of Kenya's Olympic champion and two-time London Marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge, Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele and Kenyan defending champion Daniel Wanjiru in the field Farah will have his work cut out to make an impression.

The warm temperatures expected won't ruffle Farah -- although those 'fun runners' who are planning to dress up as a knight and Paddington Bear have been advised to have a rethink over the sagacity of donning those outfits -- but he is realistic about his chances.

"Acceptable for me would be knowing I mixed in with the guys, I fought for it, and that I ran a personal best," Farah told the BBC this week.

"That would be a great start for me."