Marathon: Radcliffe's earning power to surge - if she wins tomorrow's marathon

Although the Olympic tradition of amateurism will deny Paula Radcliffe prize money if she wins the marathon tomorrow, she may yet double her earnings.

Although the Olympic tradition of amateurism will deny Paula Radcliffe prize money if she wins the marathon tomorrow, she may yet double her earnings.

With a combination rare for any British athlete of Olympic gold and world record, she would become an irresistible attraction to race organisers and sponsors already happy with her anti-doping stance.

In two years of marathon running and three races she has earned an estimated £2m, including more than £600,000 in appearance fees and bonuses when she broke the world record at last year's London marathon. It was a feat that prompted the organiser of the cash-rich Chicago marathon to put a $1m (£550,000) price tag on Radcliffe simply turning up at future events. Nike, the sportswear manufacturer, is believed to be offering her a $200,000 win bonus for tomorrow's race.

"If she wins it will confirm her as the greatest distance runner Britain has ever produced" said David Bedford, the organiser of the London marathon. "She will become the most recognised person in the UK if she wins."

Radcliffe's entourage has grown and she is now on the roster of the marketing company Octagon. However, her earnings are unlikely to match the tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, who have signed a $40m deal with Nike.