Mutai to defend title at London Marathon

LONDON (AP) - Emmanuel Mutai of Kenya will defend his title at the London Marathon in a field that includes world record-holder Patrick Makau.

They are among six Kenyans, along with three-time London Marathon champion Martin Lel, who will compete on April 22. That's eight days before the country selects its three runners for the Olympic marathon in London on Aug. 12.

Mutai shattered the course record in 2011 by running 2 hours, 4 minutes, 40 seconds - the fourth fastest marathon ever - when Kenya swept the first three spots.

London Marathon race director David Bedford said Friday he expects a competitive race 16 weeks before the men's Olympic marathon.