As a result, extra police officers have been deployed to the race. The precautionary measure is not unconnected to the Boston Marathon bombing attacks which took place in the United States earlier this week.
The Metropolitan Police said it had reviewed security plans after the Boston Marathon attack and that the extra officers- 40% more than last year would be used "for reassurance patrols".
Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry, who has headed marathon security for five years, has said that this year's police operation is "about making sure that people who come to London on Sunday feel safe when they are in the city".
She said more search dogs would be deployed and urged marathon spectators to keep their belongings with them to avoid sparking security alerts.
She said: "There is no link between the Boston Marathon and the London Marathon and there is no change to the threat level at this time to London."
Extra security has been put in place around the bags of the runners, with 34 lorries taking the rucksacks of the thousand of runners from the start in Blackheath to the finish on the Mall near Buckingham Palace.
The bombs which went off in Boston are believed to have been placed in rucksacks placed on the route.
Marathon Chief Executive, Nick Bitel, said the messages of reassurance about security had been "well received".
"In terms of our preparations, it's all gone well, obviously there were some additional security issues following Boston, but that seems to be bedding down and the messages of reassurance to runners has been very well received," he said.
Athletes who will take part in the London Marathon today include British Olympic double gold winner, Mo Farah.
Judge of BBC's MasterChef, Michel Roux is also taking part in the race. Others who would be participating in the race includes, singer Katherine Jenkins, BBC newsreaders, Sian Williams and Sophie Raworth.
The Virgin London Marathon has pledged to donate £2 for every runner that finishes Sunday's event to The One Fund Boston set up to raise money for victims of the explosions. An estimated total donation of £70,000 is expected to be raised.
Source: BBC News
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