As the triathlon season gradually draws to a close, the racing doesn't stop. Pure running events took centre stage this morning, with most interest and eyes focussed on the BUPA Great North Run, the centre of attention being the return to competition of Paula Radcliffe. 21 months out of action, a new child and injuries, followed by a clocking of 1:07:53 would normally have been enough for the fairytale comeback. However someone clearly hadn't lent the script to American Kara Goucher, bronze medalist over 10km at the recent Track & Field World's. She set an American record in finishing almost a minute clear of Paula (1:06:57), in her first attempt at the distance. Slightly further behind, but in an excellent 12th position was runner-turned-triathlete Michelle Lee (Planet X), who's 1:15:23 clocking must be pretty close to a PB. Just shows that swimming and cycling doesn't have to dent your running speed...

The other big news of the morning was over at the Berlin Marathon, where the legend that is Haile Gebrselassie, added more glory to an already incredible CV, by setting a new World Marathon record of 2:04:26. That's sub 4:45 mile pace!!

Another 'triathlon-related' event of note is the World Road Cycling Championships finishing today (Sunday) with the Men's elite road race. For several years now, triathletes-turned-cyclists have provided a steady flow of athletes to the GB Ladies team. With the absence through injury of Nicole Cook, ex-triathlete Emma Pooley (Overall Age Group Winner at Royal Windsor, 2005), finished 8th in the Time Trial and 10th in the Road Race, evidencing just how well she has transitioned (no pun intended...) to the single sport discipline.