Yomi Omogbeja (27/03/2005)

Kenyan Isabella Ochichi has posted the second fastest-ever 10km performance whilst defeating the world record holder, Paula Radcliffe, at the Crescent City Classic 10km in New Orleans.

Ochichi, 25, the 2004 Olympic silver medallist at 5000 meters clocked 30:27 with the Briton, winner of the ING New York City Marathon last November, second in 30:45.

According to IAAF'S Bob Ramsak, Ochichi's clocking was the fastest-ever on U.S. soil, bettering the mark set by Asmae Leghzaoui of Morocco in New York in 2002 by two seconds.

Only Radcliffe, who set the World record of 30:21 in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2003, has covered the distance faster.

This was the third straight Crescent City Classic victory for Ochichi, who set the previous course record of 31:24 in 2003.