 Pavey will test her road-racing mettle against a high-quality field |
Jo Pavey has shaken off a calf injury and declared herself fit enough to contest the Great North Run on Sunday. The 33-year-old pulled out of the World Athletics final with a strained calf muscle a fortnight ago but is now ready for her half-marathon debut.
Pavey said: "It was a precaution more than anything else as I was determined to ensure I was fully fit and prepared for the Great North Run.
"I've got little niggles but for the rest of the week, I'll be easing down."
Pavey is using the Tyneside race as a benchmark before deciding whether to switch to a career in road running.
 | I'm determined to produce a good run and will definitely be giving it my best shot |
After another solid track season, including a Commonwealth 5,000m silver medal in March, Pavey faces a tough introduction to road racing.
Amongst the field are previous Tyneside champions Susan Chepkemei of Kenya and Australian Benita Johnson, as well as former world half-marathon champion Berhane Adere.
Kenya's former world 10,000m champion Sally Barsosio and Mikie Takanaka, one of Japan's top women at the distance, have been also been added to the elite field.
"I know it's going to be tough, given they are far more experienced at the longer distances," said Pavey.
"The more I think about it, it is going to be daunting - but I'm determined to produce a good run and will definitely be giving it my best shot.
"I'm really looking forward to racing over the longer distances and I've got to start somewhere, even if it is against some of the world's top distance runners."
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