The multi world record holder will pound the streets of Portsmouth on October 26.

Organisers have pulled off a massive coup to attract the 34-year-old to the event.

Radcliffe will become arguably the biggest name ever to take part in the race's 17-year history.

It will be her first race since suffering Olympic heartache in Beijing in August, when injury problems saw her finish 23rd.

Radcliffe admitted she is looking forward to sampling the atmosphere created around the speedy circuit.

She said: 'I don't know much about the course, but I have heard it is fast.

'I'm sure the organisation and atmosphere will be great.'

Radcliffe will follow in the footsteps of the likes of Derarta Tulu and

Liz McColgan in competing in Europe's biggest 10- miler.

And she will go head to head with Great Britain team-mate Jo Pavey as well as former winner Benita Johnson, in what will be the highest quality women's race in the event's history.

Olympic gold medalist and Nova International managing director, Brendan Foster, believes Radcliffe's presence will make it a record-breaking Great South Run.

Foster said: 'The inclusion of Paula is exciting news.

'It's her first time at the Great South Run and her first run in Britain since she ran the Great North Run.

'The people of Portsmouth support the race and after winning the FA Cup this is another reward for them to have the marathon world record holder taking part.

'I think we are going to see all sorts of new records set - let's hope we get the weather this year.'