London 2012 was unable to promote its bid at last year’s Flora London Marathon because bids were banned from promoting their campaigns internationally, but this year London 2012 officials will have the last big opportunity to show off the city’s ability to host major sports events before the host city is selected in July.
The Evening Standard reports that London 2012 head Sebastian Coe has had to abandon plans to start Sunday’s marathon because he has to catch a plan for Berlin where he will make a key presentation to leaders of international sports federations at SportAccord, the fourth meeting in which the five cities bidding for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games will each have ten minutes to explain their bid proposals.
London’s Mayor Ken Livingstone will take Coe’s place by starting the women’s race before leaving to join Coe in Berlin.
During the Marathon the bid will have a major presence, with flags on The Mall, and boards and banners at key sites along the course such as Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Parliament Square.
Livingstone said, “Marathon day will mark just 80 days to go until the IOC make its decision on which city will host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012. London’s marathon – the world’s greatest race, passing the capital’s iconic landmarks – perfectly showcases the UK’s passion for sport and just what an exception Games we would host in 2012”.
The Berlin conference being held from April 16 to 20 is expected to attract many of the IOC members who will be voting on July 6 in Singapore.
Every candidate city will have an information stand for the visitors to distribute promotional information.
