Athletics: Marathon farewell for Brasher

Athletics

Chris Brasher yesterday handed over the reins of the London Marathon. The race founder is stepping down after 15 years, during which nearly 300,000 runners have completed the event. Jim Clarke, who was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the event, will become chairman. Nick Bitel, the event's legal adviser, takes over as chief executive. "Some time ago I told the board that I wanted an easier life and that it was time for someone else to take over," said Brasher, who becomes life president.

Colin Jackson, who has been troubled by tonsillitis, will be looking for a return to form in Nice tonight amid doubts that he might not defend his 110 metres hurdles World Championship in Gothenburg next month. With no 100m scheduled, the sprinters will do battle over 200m. John Regis, Frankie Fredericks and Geir Moen are expected starters.