Pavey ready for baptism of fire

Jo Pavey is nervous but quietly confident she can make an real impact on her half-marathon debut in Sunday's BUPA Great North Run.

After an excellent year, capped by winning the Commonwealth Games 5,000 metres silver medal and topping the European rankings over the distance, Pavey is determined to launch a road-running career. Like Paula Radcliffe seven years ago, Pavey faces a baptism of fire in the world's biggest half marathon race from Newcastle to South Shields.

The 33-year-old said: "Of course I'm a little but nervous of what will happen, but the training I have done has indicated to me that I can produce a good performance. Quite frankly, the more I think about it, it's going to be daunting - but I'm determined to produce a good run and will definitely be giving it my best shot."