Athletics: Radcliffe's tough test on road to recovery

"I had [bronchial] problems when running in [Japan] and thought I would have done better. Now I'm hoping to prove they have finally cleared up," said Radcliffe, referring to the Chiba Ekiden International Relay she ran in on 23 November.

She faces tough competition in the shape of Jelena Prokopcuka, who last month succeeded Radcliffe as New York City marathon champion.

Apart from the Latvian, the other possible danger could come from the host nation's Marta Dominguez, the reigning European 5,000 metres champion.

The New Year's Eve race was won last year by Australia's Benita Johnson.