• New York Marathon

Pavey boosts London hopes in New York

ESPN staff
November 7, 2011
Jo Pavey finished ninth in the New York Marathon © Getty Images
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Jo Pavey boosted her chances of selection for London 2012 after finishing inside the British qualifying time at the New York Marathon.

Running in only her second race over 26.2 miles, Pavey clocked two hours 28 minutes and 42 seconds to finish ninth, over five minutes behind winner Firehiwot Dado, but well inside the UK Athletics benchmark of 2:31:00.

Her race was 18 seconds slower than the time Pavey ran at her marathon debut in London in April, but the 38-year-old was delighted with her performance on a far hillier course between Staten Island and Central Park.

"I found it tough but I was so pleased to be close to my personal best because it's a tougher course," Pavey said. "I loved the atmosphere and it really kept me going."

Pavey is chasing one of the three spots in the GB team, with world record holder Paula Radcliffe expected to be awarded a place after her return to action in Berlin in September. Mara Yamauchi, Louise Damen and Susan Partridge are all in the hunt for a place.

Meanwhile in the men's race, Geoffrey Mutai smashed the course record to win in a time of 2:05:06.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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