Olympic champion Sammy Wanjiru and top German runner Irina Mikitenko will both be defending their London Marathon titles on April 25 next year.

Says race director David Bedford: “We are delighted to welcome our two champions back to head such high quality races.

“These elite fields are as good as any we’ve had in the previous 29 London Marathons, and I am sure they will produce two superb contests for the London crowds.”

Wanjiru will be hoping to break his own course record, while Mikitenko will be chasing a rare triple after retaining her title in epic style.

She will be aiming to become only the second woman to win three London marathons in a row when goes head-to-head again with Britain’s Mara Yamauchi.

The latter conjured up a breathtaking performance to finish second, a minute behind, in a personal best of 2:23:12.

Says 37-year-old Mikitenko: “I love running in London, and I’m determined to be fit and ready for the challenge, although I know it will be difficult against such strong opponents.”