Former Headington Roadrunner Mara Yamauchi was due to touch down on British soil on Tuesday night after being caught up in the travel chaos caused by the Icelandic volcanic eruption.

Yamauchi, who is one of the favourites for the women’s title at this weekend’s Virgin London Marathon after finishing second in 2009, was stranded in Bordeaux, France.

She travelled to Paris where she caught a specially chartered light aircraft to bring her to the UK.

Yamauchi, who lives in Japan, is one of many athletes worldwide who have been affected by the volcanic ash cloud enveloping Europe.

Olympic gold medallist Sammy Wanjiru also used a private plane to beat the disruption so he can defend his title.