Runners could face snow at the London Marathon for the first time ever this weekend, forecasters say.
The Met Office today warned "wet snow" and hail may fall on the race's 36,000 participants when they pound the capital's streets on Sunday.
A spokeswoman said chances of the wintry conditions were remote but could not be ruled out. If snow does fall it will be the first time ever in the event's 25-year-old history.
“There’s a little bit of a possibility that there could be what we call wintery showers," she said.
“It could be hail like we had last week or wet snow which isn’t unusual for April.
"Nothing will settle on the ground and nothing will impede the runners so they won’t have to worry about avoiding any snowmen.”
She added temperatures would hit 10C but the air would feel much cooler.
The claims come after Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang forecast snow after observing a "northerly airflow".
She said: “When skies cloud over it will feel particularly cool and there may be some sleet in the showers, or possibly even wet snow.
“As far as I can tell, snow hasn’t been reported since the London Marathon began in 1981 so if this happens it would be a first.”
According to the Met Office, perfect conditions for the marathon are when it is mild with a light breeze.
This year, the millionth marathon runner will cross the finish line and astronaut Tim Peake will become the first man to run a marathon in space when he takes on the 26.2 mile course from the International Space Station.
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