The biggest obstacle facing London's bid is the uncertainty over the future of the Olympic stadium after 2012, with a decision not expected until after the IAAF vote. However Premier League side West Ham is the front-runner to take over the venue and the club has indicated it is comfortable with the idea of a multi-use stadium, including a permanent running track.

London is bidding solely against Beijing after the third candidate, Chorzow in Poland, failed to make it to the inspection stage. Beijing will play host to the inspectors next month and a final decision will be taken at the IAAF Council meeting in Monaco in November.

The delegation in London includes IAAF vice-president Sergey Bubka and general secretary Pierre Weiss.