Kenya's Martin Lel will return to defend his Flora London Marathon title next year.

Lel will be back for the race on April 20 aiming to claim the world's top marathon crown for the third time in four years.

His first victory came in 2005 and his finishing speed drove him to another outstanding success in this year's hotly-contested race.

Lel is now determined to match the three victories previously achieved by Dionicio Ceron of Mexico and Portugal's Antonio Pinto since the event was first held in 1981.

"I am very pleased to be able to defend my title," said 29-year-old Lel, who also finished runner-up in 2006.

"I am training hard to make sure I am in top shape for my bid to win a third time. I know it will be tough but I love running in London and am confident I can win again."

In November Lel also became the first man ever to win the London and New York marathons in the same year. But he will have to be at best to win London again as he faces yet another top quality field for the 2008 men's race.

The line-up is packed with some of the greatest marathon runners in the world including the reigning Olympic and world champions Stefano Baldini of Italy and Luke Kibet from Kenya.

They will be joined by the former world record holder Paul Tergat, his fellow-Kenyan Felix Limo, the 2006 London champion, and Morocco's former double world gold medallist Jaouad Gharib.

"I believe this is one of the best fields we've ever assembled," said race director David Bedford.

"I am delighted to welcome Martin back to London. He has a fantastic record here and will be extremely hard to beat.

"But it will not be easy for him as the opposition is of the highest quality and many of these stars will be hoping to prove their fitness before the Olympic Games in Beijing."