LONDON MARATHON

Radcliffe races to London victory.

Paula Radcliffe destroyed her rivals to win her third London Marathon title in two hours, 17 minutes and 42 seconds. The world record holder struck out on her own after six miles and but for an unscheduled toilet stop in the 22nd mile maintained a relentless pace. Radcliffe posted the third fastest women's run with Romania's Constantina Dita over five minutes back in second. Kenyans Susan Chepkemei, who finished third, and Margaret Okayo paid for trying to stay with Radcliffe early on. The only moment of drama for the Briton came late on when she stopped by the road-side and squatted down for about 10 seconds before resuming the race. Chepkemei, who ran Radcliffe so close in New York last November, finished over six minutes behind in 2:24:00. Last year's winner Okayo was fourth in 2:25:22 while Ireland's Sonia O'Sullivan posted a personal best of 2:29:01 in finishing eighth. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
London Marathon - Women's result:

1. Paula Radcliffe, Britain, 2 hours, 17 minutes 42 seconds.2. Constantina Tomescu-Dita, Romania, 2:22:50. 3. Susan Chepkemei, Kenya, 2:24:00. 4. Margaret Okaya, Kenya, 2:25:22. 5. Lyudmila Petrova, Russia, 2:26:29. 6. Benita Johnson, Australia, 2:26:32. 7. Joyce Chepchumba, Kenya, 2:27:01. 8. Sonia O'Sullivan, Ireland, 2:29:01. 9. Mulu Seboka, Ethiopia, 2:30:54. 10. Mara Yamauchi, Britain, 2:31:52.