Record run delights Radcliffe

Great North Run photos

Paula Radcliffe admitted she had surprised herself after clocking a new world-best half marathon time in the Great North Run.

Radcliffe romped to victory in a time of 65 minutes and 40 seconds to knock four seconds off Susan Chepkemei's previous best set in Lisbon two years ago.

And she did not mind that the mark will not be recognised when world records are instigated in the new year as the course from Newcastle to South Shields is slightly downhill.

"I knew that - but it was nice to run it just the same," said Radcliffe. "It's not an easy course. But it gives me a confidence boost going into the World Half Marathon Championships.

"I knew I was on schedule to break the course record and picked up in the last half mile because I saw the clock on the timekeeping car.

"But it was only with 30 metres left I realised the world best was possible and I gave it everything I had.

I was actually thinking of quitting at halfway because I was feeling heavy Hendrick Ramaala

"The crowd were magnificent right through the race and particularly in that last mile.

"But the most important thing was just to win the race. The training sessions beforehand had all gone really well. I was looking forward to it and it was such a great feeling to win the race."

Although the World Half Marathon Championships in Portugal are just two weeks away, there was no question of Radcliffe easing down to save some energy.

But some early celebrations from men's winner Hendrick Ramaala may well have cost him a course record.

The South African beat Kenya's Jackson Koech in a sprint finish to win in 60:01 - just three seconds slower than the time recorded by Paul Kosgei last year.

"It doesn't matter," said Ramaala. "I was actually thinking I was going to come second.

"I'm very pleased with my run. I got short notice to come here and I'm just happy to have run under 61 minutes.

"I didn't think it was going to be this tough. I was actually thinking of quitting at halfway because I was feeling heavy.

"I was so tired and the pace was constantly surging. With 400 metres remaining if there had been another push I wouldn't have been able to respond."