We’re in same boat ...but want to beat each other this time
SAY GOLD MEDAL ROWING TEAM
SPECIAL forces marksmen will protect runners and spectators at today’s London Marathon amid fears of a Boston-style terror attack.
SAS snipers are being placed along the route with orders to shoot to kill in the event of an incident.
An unprecedented security operation has been launched to prevent so-called lone wolf attacks against the tens of thousands of runners and well-wishers. There are also concerns terrorists could detonate remotecontrolled bombs similar to devices used in the Boston Marathon bombing.
Security experts fear extremists could take hostages or use a vehicle to cause carnage in a replay of last month’s Westminster Bridge attack OLYMPIC rowing duo Helen Glover and Heather Stanning will battle each other for the first time in today’s 2017 Virgin London Marathon.
The pair have been undefeated since 2011, winning their last 39 races as team-mates.
But the double Olympic champions and best friends are looking forward to being rivals as they take on the 26.2-mile course.
The three-time world champions will officially start the Elite Women’s race at 9.20am, before heading to their own start line for 10am.
Helen said: “I only entered because Heather had entered and I thought, ‘If you’re doing it then I am too’.
“It will be a bit strange competing against each other for a change.
“We’ve only had one training run together and that wasn’t competitive at all as we were chatting and catching up.
“But I’m sure when the race starts all that will change.”
She added: “The plan is to go off together and see what happens. I obviously want to beat Heather but not to her detriment.
“I wouldn’t trip her up or anything. The ideal situation would be us both EXCLUSIVE JAMES INGHAM doing brilliantly then me pipping her to the post at the end. I’m definitely the more competitive one. Although I’ll probably go off too hard and Heather will overtake me near the end.”
Since their record-breaking Rio win Heather, 32, has retired. But Helen, 30, admits to still being torn about whether to go for a third gold medal at Japan 2020. She married TV naturalist Steve Backshall last year, and has enjoyed the down-time away from the relentless Olympic training routine.
She said: “To be honest I’m still 50/50. I said I would make a decision by Easter but I still don’t know. I’m trying not to think about it too much.
“For over 10 years I’ve been pushing myself every single day to be the best in the world, so it’s been nice training for the marathon but not having that amount of pressure on your shoulders.”
This year, the marathon’s official partner is mental health campaign Heads Together. The campaign has received worldwide publicity due to the backing of princes William and Harry.
MBE Helen added: “They couldn’t have chosen better ambassadors to speak out than the princes. Especially as mental health issues affect so many young men.
“Thankfully I’ve never suffered from mental health issues but it can affect anyone and that’s why it’s important to speak out.” Helen is raising money for the Brain and Spine Foundation.