1,000 Marathon First Aiders in training with 26 days to go

As the UK's most dedicated athletes prepare to run the world's greatest Marathon, the UK's most dedicated first aid volunteers are too in top condition for this spectacular event.

With just 26 days to go, the 1,000 St John Ambulance staff and volunteers on duty are topping up their training, filling up their first aid kits and preparing to provide the very best first aid care to any competitor or spectator who may need it.

Co-ordinated by St John Ambulance London (Prince of Wales's) District, the Flora London Marathon sees the biggest deployment of volunteers, state-of-the-art treatment centres, ambulances and specialist vehicles to any event in the UK, with members travelling as far as Avon, Dorset, Cardiff and Manchester.

Planning for this lengthy challenge has been in process since late last year, with the events team co-ordinating over 1000 volunteers from over ten counties and ensuring enough vehicles and equipment will be available to support the 4,000 casualties which occur each year.

Ann Cable, Commissioner of St John Ambulance London (Prince of Wales's) District, who is in charge of this year's operation, said: 'We have provided for the needs of runners at the Flora London Marathon for many years. However, every year is different and brings different challenges and this creates an incredible amount of planning and organisation.

'Our teams have been preparing hard for months to ensure that every man, woman and child who are in attendance on the day, as a spectator or competitor, have access to the best first aid treatment if they should need it. We hope everyone has a fantastic and safe day.'

Did you know?

St John Ambulance has provided first aid support at the London Marathon since it first began, this will be the 29th year at the event.

St John Ambulance use approximately 100lbs of petroleum jelly and 200 bottles of baby oil each year - the organisation's youth members make this easily available to the competitors by standing at the sidelines.

There is a St John Ambulance member along approximately every 35 metres of the course.

Over 50 treatment centres along the route of the course will help those with minor complaints successfully reach the finish line.