The International Association of Athletic Federations has reversed an August ruling stripping British runner Paula Radcliffe of her world record marathon time of 2:15.25, earned in the 2003 London Marathon. The record was reduced to “World Best” status briefly because the London race combined male and female runners. Many believe that women run faster when paced by the generally quicker male runners.
IIAF changed its ruling on the first day of its three-day 2011 convention in Monaco, Monte Carlo on Wednesday.
“The record will stay. Nobody will cancel the record of Paula. Her record will never be diminished,” IAAF council member Helmut Digel told The Associated Press.
Racliffe also holds the second fastest time for the 26.2-mile race at 2:17:18, set in a women’s-only race run in 2005.
The 37-year-old runner recently returned to competition after taking a two-year break to have her second child.
Patrick Makau of Kenya holds the current men’s record of 2:03:38.
