AN Oxford marathon runner who aims to compete in the London 2012 games said yesterday she was thrilled the Olympic torch would be visiting the city.

Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets of Oxford to cheer on the torch next year.

Oxford has been chosen as one of the cities on the 8,000-mile torch route across the UK. It will be carried for 70 days by 8,000 torchbearers on its way to London, and will pass through Oxford on July 9, 2012.

The exact route through the city is not yet known.

Olympic athlete Mara Yamauchi, 37, who was brought up in Headington, said: “It’s really fantastic that Oxford has been chosen.

“The torch relay is the main part of the whole build-up, and the fact it’s going all over the country, including Oxford, means that everybody can really be a part of the Olympic celebrations.

“And as Oxford is my home town, I’m thrilled it’s coming to the city.

“For most people it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

She hopes to compete in the 2012 marathon after finishing 6th in the Beijing Olympics in 2008.