Sonia O'Sullivan will face stiff opposition when she defends her BUPA Great North Run later this month after world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe confirmed her entry today.
Radcliffe, who won the half-marathon event three years ago, ran her first race since April's London Marathon in the Nike 10km Race in Richmond Park last weekend after recovering from injury and illness.
In a high class field the Tyneside race has also attracted Olympic and world 10000metres gold medallists Derartu Tulu and Berhane Adere.
The race takes place on Sunday, September 21st.