Paula Radcliffe is relishing the chance to compete in one of the strongest fields ever assembled when she defends her title in the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday.

Paula Radcliffe claimed Great Britain’s first gold medal of the 2005 World Championships after a comprehensive victory in the marathon in Helsinki.

PAULA RADCLIFFE hit a new high in a magnificent year yesterday as she shattered the world record marathon time in Chicago.

Race favourite Paula Radcliffe has shrugged off the fact the weather is unlikely to be helpful when she bids for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon title on Sunday.

World marathon record-holder Catherine Ndebera warmed up for her clash against Paula Radcliffe in Chicago on October 13, with a superb victory in yesterday’s Crim 10 mile road race in Flint, Michigan.