Brown kickstarts late start in Great North Run

Jon Brown will lead the British challenge against a star-studded half-marathon field at the BUPA Great North Run on October 1.

Brown, who finished fourth in the last two Olympic marathons, will fly from his Canadian home to take on a quartet of the world's most outstanding distance runners.

Olympic champion Stefano Baldini, the reigning Olympic marathon champion who regained his European title earlier this month, leads the overseas challenge.

Joining the Italian will be Paul Tergat of Kenya, the world marathon record holder and Morocco's Jaouad Gharib, the current world champion at the distance.

Hendrick Ramaala like Tergat a past GNR winner, is also returning and the South African will be chasing a third victory in the world's biggest half marathon.

Brown because of injury hasn't raced this year, but is adamant he will be ready and well prepared for another testing battle over the 13.1miles Newcastle-to-South Shields course.

The 35-year-old Sheffield star's last appearance was nine month's ago in the New York marathon since when he suffered almost constant problems.

Brown said: "After New York, I had a problem with the back of my knee, then before London this year, I had plantar fascia problem and also a calf tear."

That ruled him out of not only the London event in April, but also competing at the European Championships, where Baldini was in great form when winning easily ahead of his rivals.

The enforced absence has been frustrating for Brown, particularly prior to New York, having set a lifetime best in the Flora London Marathon.

However he is adamant the long lay-off has been beneficial and very helpful in regaining full fitness before embarking on an autumn campaign.

But the British 10000metres record-holder, confidently said: "Since June I've been training here in Victoria.

"I have been training very well, focussing on trying to get my 10km pace up again."

Brown although not confirming his other racing plans during his stay in the UK, is almost certain to have other competitions as he builds up to another marathon.

"I'll be running Fukuoka in December," Brown revealed, determined despite a tough year, he can again finish it by proving himself the country's Number One at the distance for what will be a record sixth occasion.

Source GreatRun

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