Marathon News - Paula Radcliffe Becomes a Mother

Jan-17-2006

Paula Radcliffe Becomes a Mother
by David Monti
(c) Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved

The women's world record holder in the marathon, Paula Radcliffe, became a mother today.

"[She] had a little girl this morning," said her husband Gary Lough in a text message sent to your editor. It isn't clear whether or not Radcliffe and Lough have named their little girl, yet.

Radcliffe, 33, had been very active throughout her pregnancy, and even participated in an organized road race after having foot surgery last April to have a neuroma removed. She ran in the Hydro Active Women's Challenge 5-K in London last September when she was five months pregnant, clocking a more-than-respectable 18:51.

"I had to hold myself back a bit," said Radcliffe at the time.

Last November, Radcliffe was presented with the Abebe Bikila Award by the New York Road Runners, given since 1978 to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to distance running, particularly through a spirit of deep commitment to the sport.

"Paula is a champion in life," said Mary Wittenberg, president and CEO of the New York Road Runners. "From smashing records to ensuring that her athletics success benefits others through her philanthropy, Paula is someone who inspires and cares."