KEEN runners and fundraisers are making last-minute plans for this year's London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday. And there will be a particularly poignant first-time entrant.

KEEN runners and fundraisers are making last-minute plans for this year's London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday.

And there will be a particularly poignant first-time entrant.

For just a year after fundraising stalwart Billy Hansford had to abandon the event due to the conditions in 2008, his grandson James Hunton, from Lowestoft, will be taking part.

The 18-year-old, from Dell Road, has managed to gain a place in the race at the first time of asking.

And his delighted grandfather, said: 'My disappointment at not finishing last year has been tempered by my grandson saying he would take part in 2009. Bless him, he is 18 and in his first year at university having already completed the Silverstone half marathon.'

Raising funds for Cancer Research, James, a former Kirkley and Pakefield youth player, said he is looking forward to the race.

He will be joined on the startline by former K&P footballers Ben Le Compte and Nathan Drake and will team up with friends Jody Harrison and Clint Holmes for the marathon trek.

Jody is running for the RSPCA and Nathan, Clint and Ben for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Lowestoft Road Runners athlete Roger Mawer has seen it all before … and he will hoping to complete his 29th London Marathon - having been part of a select handful of competitors across the country who've completed every race.

Also running for Cancer Research UK, is Lowestoft Road Runners Sallyann Protheroe, from Blundeston.

Another first-time entrant is 29-year-old Emma Randall, from Pakefield, who will be running on behalf of Alzheimer's UK.

To pledge support, or sponsor the runners log onto their websites www.justgiving.co.uk/benlecompte; www.justgiving.com/clintholmes; www.justgiving.com/nathandrake; www.justgiving.com/jodyharrison; www.justgiving.com/sallyannprotheroe; www.justgiving.co.uk/emmamustbemad for Emma Randall and www.runningsponsorme.org/peachy for James Hunton.