The Boston Marathon is due to be held amid unprecedented security, one year after a pair of home-made pressure-cooker bombs killed three people and wounded more than 260 others.

Defending champion Geoffrey Mutai and Priscah Jeptoo won the men’s and women’s races at the New York City Marathon yesterday for a Kenyan sweep in chilly, windy conditions through the city’s five boroughs.

Kenya’s Priscah Jeptoo went one better than her London 2012 Olympics silver by winning the Virgin London Marathon today.

Paula Radcliffe is relishing the chance to compete in one of the strongest fields ever assembled when she defends her title in the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday.

Jelena Prokopcuka is set to defend her BUPA Great Edinburgh title on May 7.