This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
London Marathon organisers have made the difficult decision to exclude mass runners from this year's rescheduled event, citing fears over the coronavirus pandemic.
The race, initially scheduled for April 26, has been rescheduled for October 4, with other big city races in the World Marathon Majors series cancelled.
Defending men's champion and world record holder Eliud Kipchoge will headline the men's race, which will be run in a 'secure biosphere' due to coronavirus restrictions.
"Elite races for men, women and wheelchair athletes will take place on an enclosed looped course in St James's Park in a secure biosphere," organisers said in a statement.
The times will count towards Olympic qualification for the 2020 Games in Tokyo, which have been delayed by 12 months.
No spectators will be allowed to watch the athletes take on 19.8 laps of the central London park, despite Britain being over the first bout of the virus.
"Today is a day of sadness, but also I think it's a day of certainty," said event director Hugh Brasher.
Kenya's tourism officials are expected to use Kipchoge's build-up and competition in London to market Kenya as a preferred tourism destination in the continent.
