First Manxman in London wheelchair marathon
Darren Kennish from Andreas will become the first ever Manxman to enter the London wheelchair marathon.
More than nine years ago Mr Kennish began to experience severe back pain which was later diagnosed as a disintegrating disc disease and osteoarthritis of the spine.
He said: "It's an honour to represent the island, and be the first."
Mr Kennish, 40, said the bombings at the Boston Marathon have made him more determined: "My thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Boston but we cannot let people like that ruin such great events.