Plenty of choices in battle for GB women's Olympic marathon selection

Posted: Monday 7th November 2011 | 14:26

UK ATHLETICS selectors have some head-scratching ahead as think about finalising their three-strong women's marathon team for the London 2012 Olympics.

BOOST: Jo Pavey finished ninth in the New York marathon and is one of six British athletes fighting for the three available places in next year's Olympics (Getty Images)

Fit again world record holder Paula Radcliffe appears a lock for another crack at the title that has alluded her, after injuries destroyed her hopes in Athens and Beijing.

Radcliffe, in her first marathon in two years, came home third in Berlin in September, clocking two hours, 23 minutes and 46 seconds - well inside UK Athletics' required 2012 mark of two hours, 31 minutes.

And while the time was well shy of her personal best mark of 2:15.25, it was quicker than her winning mark at the New York marathon in 2008 and her fastest time since 2007.

But who will support her remains wide open, with Radcliffe's close friend Jo Pavey - in only her second race over the distance - securing the Olympic qualifying time with her ninth place finish in New York this weekend.

Pavey came home in two hours, 28 minutes and 42 seconds - 18 seconds slower than her debut in London earlier this year - as Firehiwot Dado won in a time over five minutes quicker.

"I found it tough but I was so pleased to be close to my personal best because it's a tougher course than London,” she said. “I loved the atmosphere and it really kept me going.”

Mara Yamauchi, who has struggled with injuries since her breakthrough second place in London two years ago, will look to secure the qualifying standard in Yokohama later this month.

Yamauchi, who failed to finish the Great North Run, recently won a 10km race in Berlin in her fastest time for five years and claims to be back near her best.

Louise Damen will also look to underline her credentials in Yokohama after the 28-year old teacher clocked two hours 30 minutes on her marathon debut earlier this year in London.

Claire Hallissey also has the qualifying standard following a two hour 29 minute and 27 second run that claimed sixth in Chicago.

In addition, Liz Yelling, who disappointed in Frankfurt recently when she missed the target mark nearly four minutes, is more than capable of dipping below the required standard and Susan Partridge is talking up her hopes.