Radcliffe out of return race

Paula Radcliffe has been forced to pull out of her comeback race following an 18-month absence in Manchester later this month due to illness.

The 37-year-old has been ruled out of the Great Manchester Run over 10 kilometres on May 15 because she has been suffering from a chest and throat infection.

The marathon world record holder had been set to compete for the first time since taking an extended break to give birth to her son Raphael.

“I’m really, really disappointed to have to pull out of the Run,” said Radcliffe.

“I have missed racing so much and was so looking forward to running in Manchester in such a vibrant event.”

Radcliffe is now set to return in the London 10,000 road race on May 30 when she will race on many of the roads that make up the 2012 Olympic marathon course.