Helen Clitheroe: Britain’s Next Paula Radcliffe?

At 37, she’s not letting her age get in the way.

One of Britain’s fastest track stars, Helen Clitheroe, is now looking at taking her skills to the roads. According to an article on The Mirror’s Web site, she says she will move up in distance after the 2012 Olympic Games.

Clitheroe has been nicknamed “Helen of Joy” after she won her first championship gold medal at the age of 37 in the European 3000m event.

After that victory, she won the prestigious Great Manchester 10K. She says her next goal is the World Championship 5000m, but then will focus on the roads.

“I see a future running on the roads and I’m planning on doing a half marathon this year, either the Great North Run [Sept 18] or the Great Birmingham Run [Oct 23]” she confided. “I never thought I’d say ‘maybe I will run a marathon’ but it’s getting more and more likely. I think I will do one.”

Clitheroe is unfazed by her age.

“To feel I’m in the shape of my life at 37 is totally inspiring and motivates me to keep going,” she said.

For More: The Mirror