Kenya's Martin Lel will defend the men's title at the world half-marathon championships in New Delhi on October 3.

However, Britain's Paula Radcliffe, who won her third title in four years at Villamoura, Portugal last year, was not entered as the midnight deadline approached on Monday, organisers said.

Radcliffe, 30, the world marathon record holder, has not competed since her disappointing campaign at last month's Athens Olympics, where she failed to complete either the marathon or the 10,000 metres final.

Also Read Mumbai Marathon 2004 - Complete coverage

Lel's compatriot John Cheruiyot Korir, fourth at Villamoura, is also to take part in New Delhi.

Organisers said about 80 countries were expected to enter but only half that number had done so by late on Monday because the championships have been scheduled so close to the Olympics.

The first major athletics meet in India will be run over two laps passing through the heart of the capital.