Mo Farah has confirmed that he will make his marathon debut next year in London.

The Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champion will run half the distance at this year's London Marathon, using the event as part of his training to step up to the 26.2-mile distance.

A statement from the 29-year-old said: "As a young boy growing up in London it has always been my ambition to run the London Marathon. I won the Mini Marathon when I was younger and have watched the race every year for as long as I can remember.

"I will make my marathon debut in the 2014 London Marathon but will run the 2013 race to half way as part of my preparation for 2014. It will allow me to understand the course and the systems I will need when I run the full distance."

Farah will be competing in the World Championships in Moscow later this year, where he will look to retain his 5,000m title and add 10,000m gold.