A fully fit Paula Radcliffe will compete for the first time in almost two years at the BUPA Great North Run on September 30.

Radcliffe's comeback race will see her seriously tested in the world's biggest half marathon.

''I have many happy memories of good races at the Great North Run, so it seemed a natural place to start back,'' said the 33-year-old.

''I chose a half because I wanted a good quality fast race to come back and blow away the cobwebs.''

The world marathon record holder's last run saw her win impressively over 10 kilometres in Madrid with a course-record time of 31 minutes, 16 seconds on December 31, 2005.

Radcliffe's ambitions in the year that followed were to chase another Commonwealth Games gold medal and bid for a third Flora London Marathon title.

But those hopes were initially hindered and then finally curtailed by a foot injury.

Radcliffe's summer season and participation in the European Championships were later thwarted with the announcement she was pregnant.

Daughter Isla was born in January this year and Radcliffe quickly got back into training, including staying at a high altitude camp in the United States.

But a stress fracture of the sacrum related to childbirth caused another setback, ultimately wrecking her hopes of chasing the World Championship 10,000 metres title last month in Osaka.

Instead, she continued her preparations for a comeback with a tough schedule at her regular training base of Font Romeu in the French Pyrenees.

Radcliffe admitted: ''It has been a really frustrating time recently, especially missing out on Osaka and watching the 10,000m, which seemed more open than it has been for years.

''I had to be patient until my body recovered and I have been able to get a good base of running and decent training in.''

She and Gary Lough, her husband and manager, reached the decision last weekend that she is ready compete and plumped for the Great North Run.

Their confidence that the Bedford star is in top shape appears to be confirmed by her contesting a half-marathon rather than a shorter distance race.

Radcliffe's first GNR success came in 2000 when she smashed the course record set by Norway's Grete Waitz.

Then, four years ago, Radcliffe clocked 65min 40sec, still the the world's fastest half marathon.

Radcliffe, a great favourite at the Tyneside venue, said: ''I love the Great North, have and always get such great support there.

''I love mass races where the atmosphere is so good at the start and all along the route.

''I also know I will get a big test on my comeback but look forward to getting back to having fun racing.''