Paula Radcliffe will compete for the first time in almost two years at the BUPA Great North Run on September 30. Radcliffe’s comeback race will see her seriously tested in the world’s biggest half marathon.
“I have many happy memories of good races at the Great North Run, so it seemed a natural place to start back,” said the 33-year-old. “I chose a half because I wanted a good quality fast race to come back and blow away the cobwebs.”
The world marathon record holder’s last run saw her win impressively over 10 kilometres in Madrid with a course-record time of 31 minutes, 16 seconds on December 31, 2005.
Paula’s daughter Isla was born in January this year and Radcliffe quickly got back into training, including staying at a high altitude camp in the United States. But a stress fracture of the sacrum related to childbirth caused another setback, ultimately wrecking her hopes of chasing the World Championship 10,000 metres title last month in Osaka.
Having faced so many obstacles, Radcliffe was adamant she must listen to her body and not race until 100% ready. Instead, she continued her preparations for a comeback with a tough schedule at her regular training base of Font Romeu in the French Pyrenees.
Radcliffe admitted: “It has been a really frustrating time recently, especially missing out on Osaka and watching the 10,000m, which seemed more open than it has been for years. I had to be patient until my body recovered and I have been able to get a good base of running and decent training in.”
She added: “I was extremely frustrated to miss the Commonwealth Games and London Marathon with my foot injury, but the joy of having Isla helped to cope with that a little bit.”
Original story: The Press Association