Sir Mo targets podium finish in London

Sir Mo Farah has gone all out in his training in an attempt to win Sunday’s London Marathon.

The four-time Olympic champion is competing in this weekend’s 26.2-mile race having retired from track running last year.

Farah, 35, ran the event in 2014 and finished eighth, but admits he has gone “hard at it” in his preparations this time around.

“I’m here to do a job on Sunday,” he said.

“I’ve definitely prepared differently this year compared to 2014. When I ran the marathon in 2014 I had to think about saving energy for the track but this year I’ve gone hard at it.”

Farah is ranked 27th in the world ahead of the race and, therefore, it will be a rare occasion where he takes to the start line without being favourite.

Farah is enjoying the unusual feeling but has targeted a place on the podium.

He added: “My aim is to stick to my own plan. The team at the London Marathon have put together an amazing field with guys like Eliud Kipchoge and Daniel Wanjiru.

“I’m only ranked 27th, so I just have to stick to my plan and see what happens.

“It’s a great feeling not to have the same pressure as I do on the track. I’m ranked 27th in the world and I’m just going to stick to my plan. If the guys set off at world-record pace, I’ll go with them, why not?”

“A win would be amazing for me. It’s going to be different but every race I go into I aim to fight for a podium place.”

If Farah had not given up his track career then he would have likely added to an extensive medal haul in the recent Commonwealth Games in Australia.

He admitted watching the 5,000m and 10,000m races but stands by his decision to concentrate on the road.

“As an athlete you have to set yourself new challenges.”