Former world cross country champion Benita Johnson was pleased with her second place in the 10th Hydro Active Women's Challenge 5km road race in Hyde Park on Sunday.

The Australian, who lives in Hampton Hill, finished just 20 seconds behind Meseret Defar from Ethiopia, wthe world and Olympic 5,000m champion.

Johnson edged past Teddington-based Jo Pavey in the final 2km to finish the undulating, winding course in 15 minutes 28 seconds - good preparation for the Chicago Marathon in three weeks.

"It felt tought because I am in the middle of heavy marathon training," said the 28-year-old.

"I am really pleased to finish second because it was a good speed workout.

"I am going to Chicago in really good spirits. I know if there is a sprint finish I will be ready for it."

Pavey, the Commonwealth 5,000m silver medallist, was less pleased with her effort just a fortnight before she takes on Paula Radcliffe in the BUPA Great North Run half marathon.

"I felt a bit heavy and didn't feel I ran that well," said 33-year-old Pavey, who finished fourth at last month's World Championships 10,000m in Osaka.

"It is a great event to come to and I really love it, but I was hoping to run a bit quicker.

"It was a very high-class event and you have to hand it to Defar - she ran superbly."

Pavey had led the early leading group of seven through the first kilometre in a swift two minutes 52 seconds.

But it was soon clear who was controlling the race as Defar edged into the lead in the second kilometre.

She took a group of four, also featuring Johnson, Pavey and Lauren Fleshman of the United States, through 2km in 6:03. Another Teddington-based athlete, Kate Reed, was 4m down in fifth.

With bright sunshine streaming through the trees, Defar pushed ahead.

Pavey began to drop off the pace as they swept round Speakers' Corner and past the 3km point in 9:07.

At one stage, Pavey looked as if she was losing third place to Fleshman, but she rallied in the final kilometre and nearly caught Johnson on the line - finishing one second behind the Australian.

Reed finished fifth of around 15,000 runners in this women's only race in 15:36 with Susie Bush, who lives in Mortlake 10th in 16:44.