Marathon crowds help 2012 Games bid

London's Olympic bid has been given a boost by the thousands of people who turned out to watch Sunday's Flora Marathon despite the pouring rain.

This year's event was in the spotlight with the International Olympic Committee due to announce next month which of the nine cities bidding for the 2012 Games will go forward to next year's vote.

Although TV pictures went around the world showing the worst weather at the Marathon for 13 years, it was striking how many spectators lined the course.

Race director David Bedford said today: "I was amazed how many people were there. They were four or five deep. People had been there all the time and were completely soaked.

"It is a great testament to the event. What a great city we have. When we get the Olympics - when - imagine the welcome those people are going to get. Every single athlete has said they've never been in a position with so many people and bands along the course."

London 2012 officials had to be careful not to promote the campaign too much because cities are not allowed to run international advertising campaigns until after this summer's Athens Olympics.

Marathon organisers will review security after a streaker managed to get on the course.