PAULA Radcliffe finished in second place in this morning's BUPA Great North Run in her first race for almost two years.

Radcliffe, whose last competition was on New Year's Eve 2005, lost decisively to American Kara Goucher.

Goucher, a World Championships 10,000 metres bronze medallist, finished the half-marathon course in a time of 66 minutes 57 seconds - the fastest time achieved by an American.

In the men's race, Martin Lel won a thrilling battle with Sammy Wanjiru to win the men's title by eight seconds from his fellow Kenyan with a mark of 60mins 10 secs.

Hendrick Ramaala, the defending champion, failed to collect a fourth title, finishing third in 62mins 37secs.