London Marathon 2016: Eliud Kipchoge sets record time, Jemima Sumgong recovers from fall, David Weir denied

The Kenyan retained his title with a course record time - but it could have been even better

Eliud Kipchoge crosses the line to win the 2016 London Marathon (Getty)

Eliud Kipchoge broke the course record at the Virgin London Marathon, retaining his title with the second-fastest run in history over the distance.

The 31-year-old Kenyan left the field trailing as he powered home in an official time of two hours, three minutes and four seconds.

Kipchoge celebrated by raising his finger as he made the final turn but appeared to realise just before the line that he could have broken Dennis Kimetto's world record.

Kipchoge brought his hand to his forehead as he saw his time, which was just seven seconds outside Kimetto's mark made in Berlin two years ago, but was soon smiling again as he celebrated a stunning run.

Fellow Kenyan Stanley Biwott was second with a personal best of 2.03:51, while Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele was third.

The men's race had set off at a fierce pace from the off, with world record pace at 10 miles, the fastest half marathon in the event's history and a world record of 1:27.13 for 30 kilometres.

Kipchoge's compatriot Jemima Sumgong ensured a Kenyan double by winning the women's race despite banging her head in a heavy fall.

Sumgong took a tumble at around 22 miles, apparently tangling feet with Aselefech Mergia in an incident that also saw pre-race favourite Mary Keitany fall and never fully recover.

Sumgong, who has been a runner-up in the Boston, Chicago and New York marathons, cracked her head against the road but ignored her clear discomfort to rejoin the leading pack and eventually pass them.

Jemima Sumgong (Getty)

She finished in two hours 22 minutes and 58 seconds as defending champion Tigist Tufa failed to haul her in over the final 600 metres.

There was significant news for the homegrown contingent too, with the race doubling as the British Olympic selection trial.

Scot Callum Hawkins finished eighth in 2:10.55 to snap up the first automatic spot in Rio, with Tsegai Tewelde also booking his place in Brazil after coming in 12th.

Tewelde is from Eritrea and claimed asylum in Britain after competing in the 2008 World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh.

Hawkins' brother Derek was third and, having also hit the Olympic standard, could be offered a discretionary place.

In the women's race Alyson Dixon and Sonia Samuels also ensured Olympic selection after going head to head for the majority of the race.

Dixon edged it in a spring finish, but the pair celebrated as team-mates after crossing.

Celebrities including James Cracknell, Kelly Holmes, Iwan Thomas and Natalie Dormer on the start line at the Virgin London Marathon 2016 (Getty)

Charlotte Purdue was the next home runner to finish on her debut over the distance and could yet join them in the summer.

Briton David Weir was again denied a record seventh title, as Swiss Marcel Hug won a sprint finish in the men's wheelchair race.

Weir finished second in 2014 and 2015 and was edged into third this time, with Switzerland's Hug powering towards the finish line ahead of American Kurt Fearnley.

Weir first won the event in 2002, adding five more titles in the next 10 years to go level with Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson with six victories.

Weir was in phlegmatic mood afterwards, insisting he was not fixated on a completing his magnificent seven.

"I think it's the media that hype it up so much, I don't think too much about it," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"I've been racing here since I was eight years old, doing the mini marathon, and this is my 16th year in a row I think.

"To get six victories and be in the top three a number of years is not bad going. I've got to applaud myself for that and not get beaten up about the seven.

"If it comes, it comes and if it doesn't, it doesn't. I'm happy with what I've done in my career, but I'm not saying I'm going to retire, I still feel I have more to give and I'll be back next year."

American Tatyana McFadden continued her domination of the women's wheelchair race, claiming her fourth successive victory.