FORMER champion Jo Pavey has withdrawn from the 21st Bupa Great South Run because of a bout of sickness.

The 2006 winner has not recovered from an attack of influenza in time to take part in Sunday's race, in Portsmouth.

Although she left it until the last possible moment, Pavey has now accepted she is not in shape to chase the title she won four years ago.

Her withdrawal will see recently crowned Commonwealth 1,500m bronze medallist Stephanie Twell lead the British challenge against strong overseas opposition.

The visitors include 2008 Olympic marathon champion Constantina Dita, of Romania, and Grace Momyani, the Kenyan winner of the Commonwealth Games 10,000m gold medal in Delhi at the beginning of the month.

For comprehensive coverage of the 2010 Bupa Great South Run, featuring the results of all 'SO' postcode entrants, as well as some fantastic pictures, don't miss next Monday's Daily Echo.