The confusion about the women's marathon world record (HERE) has taken another twist
The IAAF has confirmed that Paula Radcliffe's marathon world record of 2:15:25 will now remain in the history books.
Following a recommendation by the IAAF Competition Commission regarding 'Women’s World Records for Road Events', IAAF Council has approved the continued recognition of the currently existing World Records, regardless of the type of race in which they were achieved (mixed or women only) and new records will be officially recognised and ratified only if achieved in women-only races.
The debate about the change of rules is bound to continue - either the race organisers of the big city marathons will be forced to provide more opportunities for women only competition or there will be a two tier system of records in future if new times are set in in mixed races as well as women's only races.
The 48th IAAF Congress in Daegu, Korea, approved that from now on, a Women’s World Record on the Road can no longer be set in a race in which the record setter is competing against men.
You can listen to Paula Radcliffe's take on the initial ruling here
