PAULA RADCLIFFE’S London Marathon time of 2:17:42 in 2005 is now classed as the new world record after the IAAF changed its criteria.

Her time of 2:15:25 set in the corresponding event two years earlier is no longer the time to beat as that race was run in mixed competition, with male pacemakers.

The changes, made at the recent World Championships in South Korea, specify that only times achieved in all-women competitions will be acknowledged for world record purposes and performances achieved in mixed conditions will now be known as “world best”.

A statement by the World Marathon Majors (WMM) and the Association of International Marathons (AIMS) read: “There should be two world records for women’s road-running performances, separately recognising those achieved in mixed competition and women’s-only conditions.

“AIMS and WMM will continue to acknowledge both types of performances as world records and will discuss this matter further with the IAAF.

“The vast majority of women’s road races throughout the world are held in mixed conditions.

“The current situation where the fastest time is not now recognised as a record is confusing and unfair and does not respect the history of our sport.”

AIMS represents more than 300 races worldwide, with the vast majority of them road races.

Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York are members of the WMM.