Briton Paula Radcliffe, who ran the second-fastest time ever on her marathon debut in London in April, plans to run her second race over the distance at the Chicago marathon in October. The 28-year-old Radcliffe clocked two hours 18 minutes and 56 seconds to win the 2002 London marathon, just nine seconds outside of Kenyan Catherine Ndereba's world mark set in Chicago last year.
"I am delighted to make my first appearance in The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon," said Radcliffe in a statement issued by the race organisers on Thursday. "Chicago has a worldwide reputation for its great venue, course and crowd support and I look forward to experiencing all three."
Up to 37,500 runners are expected to run in Chicago on October 13, chasing what organisers have said is the largest purse for first place in a marathon. Winners in both the men's and women's races will earn $100,000.
"I think everyone agrees that Radcliffe will go much faster in her second marathon and, believe me, I am truly glad that it will be in Chicago!" said race director Carey Pinkowski.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
