Injury forces Asthma UK captain Paula out of marathon
18 April 2006

World marathon record holder and Asthma UK Marathon Team Captain Paula Radcliffe has withdrawn from the Flora London Marathon due to a foot injury.

Paula Radcliffe, who has never let her asthma stand in the way of her sporting achievements, has led the Asthma UK team for seven years and was due to run the Flora London Marathon on 23 April.

‘This must be a huge disappointment for Paula,’ said Katie Lawson, Asthma UK’s London Marathon Co-ordinator. ‘However, she continues to provide a huge inspiration to our marathon team and to the 5.2 million people with asthma in the UK.’

Radcliffe has won the London Marathon three times - in 2002, 2003 and 2005. She has broken the women’s only world record twice (2002 – 2:18:56; 2005 – 2:17:42), and also the mixed world record (2003 – 2:15:25).

Paula’s positive attitude to her asthma makes her the perfect role model for others with the condition: ‘If you have asthma, don’t let it restrict your life - learn how to control it and don’t let it control you.’ She continues to advise would–be marathon runners: ‘Warming up and warming down are really important ways in which I keep my asthma under control when I’m exercising.’

If you are inspired to take part in an unforgettable and exhilarating experience next year, Asthma UK team places will be available after this year’s event – online applications will launch soon or call our Marathon Hotline for more information - details below.