Radcliffe off to solid start

World record-holder Paula Radcliffe this morning made a solid start when chasing a third Flora London Marathon title.

Radcliffe immediately followed pacemakers Leah Malot and Restituta Joseph, the Kenyan and Tanzanian designated to take the elite field through the half distance in 68minutes 30seconds.

After the first mile Radcliffe, her primary aim to smash the women’s-only world record time of two hours 18minutes 56seconds she set on her marathon debut three years ago, had pulled away from her rivals.

The leading trio went through the marker in 5min 03sec, well clear of her expected challengers the defending champion Margaret Okayo and her fellow Kenyan Susan Chepkemei.