Mary Keitany Chasing Paula Radcliffe's World Record at London Marathon

By Adam Kopet

Mary Keitany will return to the Virgin Money London Marathon to defend her title from 2017, according to London Marathon organizers.

A year ago in London, Keitany broke Paula Radcliffe's women's only world record in the marathon when she ran 2:17:01

Now the 36-year-old Kenyan wants Radcliffe's overall world record. Radcliffe ran 2:15:25 at the 2003 London Marathon using male pacers to reach the mark. Keitany will use the same advantages this year when she chases the record.

Last year, Keitany passed the halfway point more than a minute ahead of Radcliffe's overall record pace, but her rabbit dropped out soon after, leaving Keitany to go the rest of the way on her own. The hot early pace and the lack of help in the later stages of the race caused her to fall off record pace.

Keitany has won the London Marathon three times. She has also had a strong showing at the New York City Marathon, but last year an off day left her second behind Shalane Flanagan. Keitany will need her best day if she is to take down Radcliffe's 15-year-old record.