Radcliffe hits North after two years out

Published on Tuesday 11 September 2007 13:52

PAULA RADCLIFFE will contest her first race for nearly two years at the BUPA Great North Run on Tyneside later this month.

Radcliffe today confirmed she will compete on the course between Newcastle and South Shields on which she has produced two of the world's greatest half-marathon performances in the past.

The 33-year-old's last race saw her win over 10 kilometres in Madrid on December 31, 2005.

Since then her career has been on hold, initially because of a foot injury and then because of the birth of daughter Isla in January, followed by a complication with a stress fracture of the sacrum.

Radcliffe said: "I now feel that I am at that point and ready to come out and race well. I really missed racing through the pregnancy and the setbacks since have emphasised this even more."

Radcliffe

added: "I love the Great North, have many happy memories and always get such great support there.

"The atmosphere is so good at the start and all along the route.

"I also know I will get a big test on my comeback."