Athletics: Men will set London pace for Radcliffe

Paula Radcliffe will have male pacemakers when she defends her London Marathon title next month.

Radcliffe had requested a mixed race and, although the men's and women's races will remain separate, she will be aided by male runners. Last year she sped to the fastest ever debut, 2hr 18min 56sec.

"I'm really pleased that London has taken this step," she said. "It is obviously very difficult to find pacemakers who can go fast enough for me so this arrangement will help me discover my true worth."

Leading pole vaulters have sent a letter to the sport's world ruling body protesting about rule changes they say will make records a rarity. They want the IAAF to reconsider the changes, especially the reduction in pegs by nearly a third, which they say will cause the bar to fall more easily.