Marathon runners gear up for the start

Plates of pasta and relaxation will be on the menu in the lead up to Sunday's race.

A total of 51,266 applications were accepted for the run, more than ever before.

The race will see the usual mix of elite runners, celebrities and enthusiastic amateurs, some dressed as Tellytubbies, firemen or leprechauns.

Princess Beatrice, 21, is bidding to become the first Royal to complete the course.

She will be part of a 34-strong human caterpillar, aiming to break the record for the most number of people tied together.

"I am training very hard, I love this challenge and cannot wait," the Goldsmith's student said.

As Virgin has taken over sponsorship at this year's event, the caterpillar will be led by Sir Richard Branson's children, Holly and Sam.

Former Army Major Phil Packer, who sustained serious spinal cord injuries in 2008, will walk the route in 26 hours for 26 charities.

The ex-serviceman, who last year took 14 days to complete the course, has raised a total of 1.3m for charity.

A host of celebrities will also take part, including Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia and model Michelle Heaton.

Other famous faces include celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, running his 11th marathon in 11 years, and aiming to finish in three hours 45 minutes.