Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie, a double Olympic champion, will make his marathon debut in the London Marathon next year.
Gebrselassie, four-time world 10,000 metres champion and the world record holder at 5,000 and 10,000m, recently showed his strength off the track when he became the world half-marathon champion in Bristol.
"I was looking to move up to the marathon distance after winning the world half-marathon last month. I am delighted to run my first marathon in London as April is the perfect time to fit in with my preparations." Gebrselassie said.
"On the track I have always run against the best athletes, the London Marathon offers me the opportunity to run with the best marathoners in the world. This is a whole new challenge for me. I am very excited about it."
Race director David Bedford added: "Everyone will agree that Haile Gebrselassie is the best ever 10,000m runner.
Following his performance at the world half-marathon, I have never been so excited about an athlete's debut at the marathon distance."
The 22nd running of the London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 14th, 2002.