Vaseline in all the right places so crucial as racing runners tackle 26 miles

Unusually hot weather has caused problems for racing this week and on Sunday it could be an issue for racing's runners as some of the sport's most intrepid two-legged athletes tackle a London Marathon that could break heat records.

A liberal application of Vaseline is going to be absolutely essential, according to Northallerton trainer Grant Tuer, who will be pounding the capital's streets on behalf of Racing Welfare as he seeks to build on previous marathon excursions in New York and York.

"Normally it's great fun, except when it's 20C," said Tuer.

"There isn't a lot we can do about the heat, and they have at least put in some run-through showers. I'll be using sun cream and a hat but I'll be wearing my Racing Welfare vest, so I'll end up with a real farmer's tan.

"I'm also going to be using lots of Vaseline to stop the chafing. That's very important. Without it your nipples and nether regions would be rubbed raw. When your vest and pants get wet with sweat it feels like there is sandpaper rubbing on your nipples and downstairs, so it's obviously worse when it's hot or raining."

Racing UK broadcaster and jockeys' agent Niall Hannity, himself a former rider, is expected to speak live to the channel's Luck On Sunday programme during his first marathon attempt.

Hannity, who will be booking rides for the likes of Jamie Spencer and Joe Fanning prior to leaving the starting gate, said: "I began as a stable lad, so I'm delighted to be running for Racing Welfare, who I also ran the Great North Run for last year. It's going to be great craic, although I won't be troubling Mo Farah.

"I just want to get from A to B, but my knee has been fairly painful. I'll be fine and I'll get it done, but I've been training in -20C and now I'm going to be running in 20C."

Temperature troubles may not be as bad as some fear, in the opinion of Arena Racing Company director of external affairs Susannah Gill, who on Sunday takes the challenge for the tenth consecutive year.

"Nothing makes you feel more alive than running the London Marathon," said Gill. "For all the horrible things that can go on in the world, this event reminds you that people are brilliant.

"I've been for a quick loop of the last two miles for a leg stretch and there's actually quite a bit of shade from the trees and buildings, so although the idea of chasing personal bests might be going out the window, I think we'll be okay with the weather if it stays as it is now and we're sensible."

Racing's runners include . . .

For Racing Welfare Niall Hannity, Grant Tuer, Danny Hanning, Steve Clunie, Sophie Jarvis, Henry Petit, Laura Parker, Joe Pogson, Jamie Shaw, Lucy Wheeler, John Wiley, Joely Hartley

From Jockey Club Racecourses (team includes Lucy Wheeler, Joely Hartley & Steve Clunie) Joanne Platt, Liam Brophy, Martin Gear, Matt Sore

From Arena Racing Company (also includes Joe Pogson) Sarah Bell, Susannah Gill

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