Following the recent IAAF congress in Daegu, South Korea, it has been decided that world records achieved in mixed sex events ie mainly marathons, will not be recognised as World Records but only as World Bests. The rational for this is the 'unfair advantage' that is perceived to result from having 'male pacemakers' in the same event. The vast majority of major marathon events save for major championships such as the World and Olympic Games feature mixed events. There will inevitably be many misgivings amongst event organisers.
The most affected athlete is Britain's Paula Radcliffe. She currently holds the 'World Record' (2 hrs 15 mins and 25 seconds) for a mixed marathon from 2003. This would now become a 'World Best'. The World Record would then, ironically, be her 2005 effort of 2hrs 17 mins and 42 seconds.
Event organisers, including David Bedford (London Marathon) are to meet with the IAAF and make representations. In the mean time they will recognise both records as 'World Records'.
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