Olympic distance running legend Lasse Viren will start the inaugural BUPA London 10,000 metres on May 26 and then take part in the capital's newest road race alongside his son Matti.

Viren became one of the greatest Olympic athletes when he pulled off an extraordinary double-double, winning the 5,000 metres and 10,000m at both the 1972 and 1976 Games.

"It is a great honour to be asked to start this new 10km road race in London," said the 58-year-old Flying Finn.

"It's been a long time since I was winning Olympic races but I'm excited to have the chance to get this great new event under way and then run along part of the proposed route of the 2012 Olympic marathon races with my son Matti."

This year's London Marathon champions Martin Lel and Irina Mikitenko head the two strong elite fields which also feature British runners Mo Farah, Dan Robinson, Mara Yamauchi and Liz Yelling, as well as the double World 20km Road Race champion Zersenay Tadese.

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