Gebrselassie smashes world marathon record

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Gebrselassie had played down his chances of beating the mark set by Kenya's Paul Tergat four years ago over the same course, but he clocked a superb time of two hours four minutes and 26 seconds to do just that - his 24th world record in a glittering career.

"This was something special," said the 34-year-old Ethiopian, who a year ago missed out on breaking Tergat's mark despite setting the best time in the world.

"There was a bit of wind in my face, but at 27km it was behind me.

"Then at 35km it was in front again, but not so much. After 20km, I knew I could break the record because I felt so good".

Abel Kirui, with a personal best of 2hr 6min 51secs, finished runner-up ahead of his fellow Kenyan Salim Kipsang, who clocked 2:7:29.

Making it an Ethiopian double, Gete Wami also successfully defended her title, with a solo run of 2:23:17.

That was three quarters of a minute outside last year's time and she admitted that she cruised the last few kilometres to stay fresh for the New York Marathon in five weeks' time.

Wami, whose victory moved her to the top of World Marathon Majors rankings, said: "I want to run New York and I want to win the jackpot."

If Wami prevents Jelena Prokopcuka from winning a third consecutive New York title, she will win the US Dollars 500,000 (£245,000) series prize herself.

Today Irina Mikitenko was second in 2:24:51 - the fastest debut ever by a German woman.

Third was Helena Kirop of Kenya with a personal best of 2:26:27.