PARALYMPIC silver medallist Mark Brown has scotched stories of his impending retirement from international competition.

Speaking after a decisive victory in Sunday's Habergham Half Marathon, the Clayton Harrier said "How could I retire after running a 2:33 marathon?

"There is plenty to look forward to with the World Championships coming up and the Commonwealth Games being held in Manchester in 2002.

"There is a strong possibility that the disabled marathon runners will run in the same race as the able bodied runners in Manchester."

Running his first race since Sydney, Mark ran all but the first mile and a half of Sunday's race on his own after breaking clear early.

He won by a minute despite easing up towards the end. Craig Watson, recently restored to Clayton's ranks was a clear second, and Phil Taylor of Rossendale was first veteran in fourth. Peter Butterworth of Clayton was 1st M45 while Jennifer Adams from Clitheroe was 1st L50. Jennifer was 3rd lady in a race won by her Northern Vet team mate Joan Jackson.