FREE now SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Make the most of your money by signing up to our newsletter fornow We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

This Sunday, thousands of runners will be making their way to London to compete in the London Marathon 2018. Every year, the capital is swept up in running fever as competitors hit the 26.2 mile course. To make the marathon trickier this year, early weather forecasts suggest that temperatures could exceed 24C, making it the hottest marathon day on record. Should the temperature rise that high, runners will have to think of new strategies to tackle the course without hurting themselves. Below is everything you need in order to survive the hottest ever London Marathon.

How to run the London Marathon in the heat Tackling the 26.2 miles of London roads is already a significant challenge, regardless of the weather. With forecasters suggesting the temperatures could creep higher than they ever have before, runners need to be aware of how to look after their own bodies during the run. One man who knows better than most is Merrell ambassador Dr Andrew Murray, who has taken on both the Sahara and Gobi Deserts as well as becoming the first person to run in 43 degrees across the Namib desert. As an athlete, Andrew has won races in some of the hottest places on earth, including the Sahara Desert and the Gobi Desert.

GETTY London Marathon 2018: How to run the hottest ever London marathon

He also became the first to run across the Namib desert (featuring the highest sand dunes worldwide) in the Namibian summer. He is a brand ambassador with Merrell, and a consultant in Sport and Exercise at the University of Edinburgh Dr Murray suggests: 1) Acclimatise to the heat if you can. In the days leading up to the race, try and be outside in the heat of the day, and spend some time in a hot bath, if you are not used to running in hot conditions 2) Be hydrated prior to starting (aiming for clear or straw coloured urine)- and drink cold fluid at aid stations if you are thirsty. Fluid that has electrolytes and carbohydrates are ideal. 3) If hot conditions are expected, don't overdress. I wear light coloured (white) loose fitting clothing. I will also wear sunscreen, and a buff around my wrist, to wipe excess sweat away 4) If the conditions are hot, then you are likely to be a little slower. If it's super hot, don't think about personal bests, but embrace the challenge of completing a marathon on a hot day. Running in a pack may stop some direct sunlight, while I also try and run on the shady side of the road if there is one!

GETTY This Sunday is set to be the hottest marathon of all time in the UK

GETTY Early weather forecasts suggest that temperatures could exceed 24C

Tips for spectators If you are making your way to the capital to watch a friend or loved one run their way through the marathon, you should also be aware of the heat. The same rules apply to spectators, keeping hydrated and regularly applying sun protection is paramount. It is easy to forget how long you have stood out in the sun when you are waiting for the person you know to pass. Make sure you know where to go to get the best views of the track. Plan where you are going to watch and stick with your decision. It is advised to avoid the starting line – it will most likely be jam-packed and difficult to spot anyone in the crowds.

Wacky racers: The London Marathon's CRAZIEST costumes Wed, April 18, 2018 Creatively costumes prove popular in the Capital Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 13 The Duchess of Cambridge high fives a runner dressed as Spiderman