Martin Lel, the Kenyan, will return to defend his Flora London Marathon title in 2008. He will be back for the race on April 20 aiming to claim victory in the world’s most prestigious marathon for the third time in four years.

Lel’s first success on the streets of London came in 2005 and his stamina and finishing speed were again to the fore as he clinched victory in this year’s race.

His aim is now to become only the third athlete to achieve three victories in the race since its inception in 1981, following in the footsteps of Dionicio Ceron, the Mexican, and Antonio Pinto, the Portuguese.

“I am very pleased to be able to defend my title,” Lel said. “I am training hard to make sure I am in top shape for my bid to win a third time. I know it will be tough but it will be fun living in London and am confident I can win again.”

In November Lel, who also finished runner-up in the London marathon in 2006, also became the first man to win the London and New York marathons in the same year.

He will be faced with a tough task in 2008 if he wants to join Ceron and Pinto in their exclusive club. Former world record holder Paul Tergat and the 2006 London champion Felix Limo, the Kenyans and the reigning Olympic and world champions, Stefano Baldini, the Italian, and Luke Kibet, the Kenyan, will all be present. Throw in former double world gold medallist Jaouad Gharib, the Moroccan and a stellar race is in prospect.

“I believe this is one of the best races we’ve ever assembled,” said race director David Bedford. “I am delighted to welcome Martin back to London. He has a fantastic record here and will be extremely hard to beat. But it will not be easy for him as the opposition is of the highest quality and many of these stars will be hoping to prove their fitness before the Olympic Games in Beijing [in August].”