The men’s marathon is the very first event at the IAAF World Championships, starting at 7am on Saturday 25th August.

The early start to the event will prevent the endurance athletes having to run in soaring temperatures and high humidity in Osaka, Japan.

Running the 26.miles and 385 yards for Great Britain and Northern Ireland team are Daniel Robinson (Stroud & District AC) and Peter Riley (Leigh Harriers)

The pair are currently at the Norwich Union GB&NI Preparation Camp in Macau where they are undergoing their final training sessions and getting acclimatised to the hot and humid weather conditions that are similar to what they will have to endure in Osaka.

Robinson said: “The weather conditions here are just brutal. We trained on the first day and it didn’t feel too bad, but running this morning with the sun out proved just how hot and stifling it gets.

“Getting used to the weather is one of the main reasons for us coming out here to the preparation camp and I think after three or four more days we should begin to adapt.”

There is no doubt that the conditions will affect the race – which doubles as the World Marathon Cup.

Robinson added: “Looking forward to the race, the weather conditions will mean that pace judgement will be crucial and we will be working on that in the run up to the day.

“The race begins at seven in the morning so we shall be getting out early on our training runs to get used to running at that time of day.”

Riley explained just what it’s like to go for a 50 minute run:

“Forget Weight Watchers, come to Macau. You run for no more than ten minutes and you are soaked through – your vest, shorts and socks are wringing wet with sweat.

“When you come back from the run you are so wet you may as well have just jumped into the sea.”