But the 28-year-old world record holder said her decision hinges on performances in 2003.

"I really want to run the marathon but that is dependent on my results next year," said the Briton, who was appearing at the World Athletics Gala in Monte Carlo.

Radcliffe is expected to be named female athlete of the year at the awards ceremony after a sensational 2002.

She laid her track jinx to rest by winning the Commonwealth Games 5,000m title in Manchester in July.

And she followed it up with the European 10,000m crown in a European record time a week later.

But victories in the London and Chicago marathons have left her with options for when she chases gold in Athens.

Radcliffe will not contest the marathon in next year's World Championships in Paris, preferring to concentrate on the 10,000m.

She has yet to decide her plans for the longer distance in 2003, but is expected to make an announcement in the next couple of weeks.

"I'm definitely going to do one," she said. "I'd like to do two but I don't think that's good for my body."