Radcliffe to get early look at Athens route

World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe has been invited to be the guest of honour at November's test race on the marathon route for the 2004 Olympic Games.

It could be an important opportunity to get an early look at the course for the Briton, who has been struggling with injury and withdrew from last week's world athletics championships because of a problem with her shin. Radcliffe is not running in the race.

"We have invited Radcliffe to this year's marathon and start the race," an ATHOC official said.

The 42.195-km course mainly follows the route run by an ancient Greek soldier to Athens from a battlefield at Marathon, which gave the race its name.

A major challenge for runners, apart from the anticipated scorching August sun, comes in an uphill stretch around the 20-km mark of the race.

Local athletics officials said early knowledge of the course and its challenges would be crucial for competitors in preparing for the marathon.