British astronaut Tim Peake is going to run the 2016 London Marathon in space
You don't have to actually be in London to run the London Marathon – in 2016, one British astronaut will be doing it from space.
Tim Peake, who was is heading up to the International Space Station later this month, will take part in the Virgin Money Marathon using an interactive video app on Sunday 24 April.
The video app was created by running technology company RunSocial, using high-definition film footage from the 2013 and 2014 London marathons. It provides a pretty accurate virtual version of the 26.2 mile route. RunSocial describe it as a “mixed reality” video.
“We’re thrilled that Tim is able to do this. RunSocial is at the frontier of digital fitness technology,” said RunSocial chief executive Marc Hardy.
We have a vision of enabling people to run wonderful real locations and events with friends and others live from anywhere, even up there.
Peake, Britain's only current official astronaut, will run to raise awareness for the Prince's Trust. He will be up at the ISS for six months, due to return in mid-June.
While he is up there he will carry out various science experiments, such as growing proteins for drug research and using an electomagnetic levitating device to study new metals.