Kebede is convinced he will win London Marathon

Tsegaye Kebede is in no doubt that he will retain his London Marathon title on Sunday despite the field being one of the strongest ever.

World record holder Wilson Kipsang, Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich, course record holder Emmanuel Mutai and Britain’s Mo Farah are all out to stop Kebede winning his third crown.

However, the Ethiopian is confident, particularly as his compatriot and running great, Haile Gebrselassie, will be pacing the elite men.

“After running in New York I have focused only on the London Marathon,” said Kebede. “I am in good shape and I want to win again. I’m saying, ‘I will win again’.

“You have to put the time in and do the work. You have to believe in yourself. I’m very confident with Haile in the race. I think if he takes me to 30km, then I will do something special.”