Former Olympic champion Takahashi to run in Tokyo

TOKYO, Nov 1 (Reuters) Former Olympic champion Naoko Takahashi will attempt to defend her title at this month's Tokyo International Women's Marathon, race organisers said today.

The 2000 Sydney gold medallist was named among 13 invitees for the Nov. 19 race, which also serves as a qualifier for Japan's team for the world championships in Osaka next year.

Lithuania's Zivile Balciunaite, runner-up to Takahashi in Tokyo last year, was also named in the field.

Takahashi's victory in 2005 completed a remarkable return after her shock failure to qualify for Japan's 2004 Olympic team.

REUTERS PM BST1508