By Glen Andrews, World-Track
BIRMINGHAM, England — Former champion Paula Radcliffe has been named by UK Athletics to represent Great Britain in the World Half Marathon Championships in Birmingham on 11 October.
The 35-year-old Radcliffe, who opted not to run the marathon at last month’s world championships in Berlin because she was not fit enough to challenge for the top prize, is among five women in the team.
"This is a great chance to support a home championship with full teams, and I’m delighted that in Birmingham on 11 October that will be the case," team leader Ian Stewart said. "It’s a new course, in a city of people who will really get behind our athletes.
"Not only are they in a position to show what they can do in front of that home crowd, but they have a genuine opportunity to fight for decent team positions. We’re pleased to have Paula on the team and optimistic that we can win medals."
The men’s team also consist of five runners.
But trials winner Tomas Abyu will miss the championships after he declined automatic selection to focus on other racing commitments, including his participation at the Berlin marathon.
Men: Andi Jones; Gareth Raven; Phil Wicks; Andrew Lemoncello; Mark Miles
Women: Claire Hallissey; Gemma Miles; Paula Radcliffe; Rebecca Robinson; Alyson Dixon
