MARATHON world record holder Paula Radcliffe has spoken of her hurt at plans to “wipe the slate clean” of all marks set in athletics before 2005.

Radcliffe, 43, whose mark of two hours 15 minutes 20 seconds set in 2003, would be erased under plans by the European Athletics in a bid to eliminate doping, spoke as she prepares to take part in the Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon on Sunday.

She said: “I understand what they were trying to do and I do accept that our sport needs to take huge strides to restore credibility.

“I am just not convinced that this is the right way to do that. Personally feel I hurt by it because it is a mark I know was achieved with 100 per cent integrity and I worked very hard for it and am very proud of it.”

She added: “No one can ever take that away from me. It will always be my personal best. But to be told that because it was set before a certain date we can’t believe in any of those so we are just going to wipe them all aside.

“It does feel as though it is a slur being cast on those performances - and some of those performance and records have stood for a long time.

“The likes of Jonathan Edwards’ triple jump from 1995. I can remember being there at those championships watching him jump that.

“I am sure that it something he is extremely proud of it.”

“I would rather see the investment going into a level playing field and better testing across the board. And better education for young people coming into the sport. Don’t just wipe the slate and innocent people’s hard work that was achieved with 100 per cent integrity.”

Paula was joined yesterday by race director Steve Cram, John Seager of event sponsor Siglion and Colin Burgin-Plews, better known as charity fundraiser Big Pink Dress, who will be official starter of the 10k event on Sunday.

Radcliffe said she was “really excited” to be taking part on Sunday.

She said: “I’m not gong to be right at the front, I’m just going to be talking part and helping other people and encouraging them. It really is just about going out and having fun.”

Race director Steve Cram said: “This year we have record entries with 4,000 competitors in two events. We are hoping to create a real party atmosphere.”

The Active Sunderland BIG 3km Run will also take place on Sunday, along with the Sunderland City Half Marathon and Siglion Sunderland City 10km.