Legendary athlete Paula Radcliffe earned a place in the history books and a reputation as Britain's greatest ever athlete this weekend as she broke her own women's world record in the London Marathon.
It was the second London win in as many years for the 29-year-old runner, who beat the leading UK male competitor, Chris Carriss, with her two hour, 15 minute and 25 second record time. The amazing finish smashed the record she set in Chicago in 2002 by nearly two minutes.
"I think that was the greatest performance I've ever seen," said world cross-country medallist and Eurosport presenter Tim Hutchings. London Marathon director David Bedford seemed to agree. "She's more than the best British athlete, she's the greatest women's long distance runner the world has ever seen," he remarked.
While Paula was the picture of the serious athlete from start to finish, other participants took a more lighthearted approach to the race. Costumed runners from a womble to a seven-foot cigarette took on the challenge, bringing a smile to onlookers' faces during the gruelling 26-mile event.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
