Oxford's Mara Yamauchi hopes her success in the half-marathon in March will inspire her to victory over 26 miles on Sunday.

The 36-year-old stunned home favourite Deena Kastor to snatch victory in the 13-mile race in March – her first major run in New York.

Yamauchi smashed the course record with a time of 1hr 9mins 25secs on a circuit which is similar to the one she faces tomorrow.

Yamauchi represents Britain’s biggest chance of success with Paula Radcliffe absent after giving birth.

Should Yamauchi see off a tough field she will become the first person ever to triumph over 13 and 26 miles in New York.

Yamauchi, who has targeted a medal at the London 2012 Olympics after finishing sixth in Beijing, admits her half-marathon success has left her in buoyant mood.

“It was a big confidence boost to come here having won a race in New York,” said Yamauchi, who “Part of the course was in Central Park (where tomorrow’s race ends) so that has a positive image for me in my mind.

“The two races are different beasts, but it is a big confidence boost.”

Yamauchi has been hit by injuries since finishing second with a personal of 2.23.12 in the 2009 Virgin London Marathon.

Illness led to her finishing fifth in the Great North Run, but she said preparations have been near-perfect.

“We spent a week in New Jersey training at sea level and then before that we were training in Albuquerque “It has been trouble-free.”