Radcliffe wins third title

Paula Radcliffe raises her arms in celebration

Britain's Paula Radcliffe continued her superb run of form as she dominated the field to win her third World Half-Marathon Championship in Portugal.

The 29-year-old finished in a time of one hour seven minutes and 35 seconds.

Radcliffe led from the start, finishing well ahead of defending champion Berhane Adere and Benita Johnson.

Kenya's Martin Lel edged out Fabiano Joseph in a sprint finish to win the men's event in a time of 1:00:49 with Martin Sulle in third.

Radcliffe's winning margin of 87 seconds was the biggest ever in the race's history as she equalled the feat of Kenya's Tegla Loroupe, the only other three-time winner.

At the 10km mark she was on track to break the world record but she eased off the pace in the second half of the race as the midday sun began to sap her strength.

"I came here in good shape for a record but it was the wrong time of day," said Radcliffe, winner in 2000 and 2001.

"There was too much direct sun and the course had too many twists and turns. I realized after 10km that today no records were possible so I slowed down."

Third-placed Johnson said she was in awe of the British runner's achievements.

"She's invincible. Paula ran really, really well but racing against her makes you want to achieve the same results," she said.

"I'm only 24 and time is on my side. If I can keep improving, build-up my confidence and strength even more, who knows what can happen in the future."

Looking ahead to the Athens Olympics, Radcliffe said choosing between the 10,000m and the marathon would depend on her fitness and training.

"I'd love to run the marathon," she said. "If everything goes well in training, that's my preferred option."

The marathon world record holder missed the recent world championships in Paris with a leg injury and bronchitis.

Despite Radcliffe's huge winning margin, the Norwich Union GB side finished fifth overall in a race won by Russia ahead of Japan and Romania.