Mathathi sets Great North Run record

Martin Mathathi set a new course record and fellow Kenyan Lucy Kabuu dominated the women's event as near-perfect conditions led to fast times across the elite events at the Great North Run yesterday.

Mathathi took nine seconds off Zersenay Tadese's 2005 record of 59min 5sec with a storming run as the Kenyan pulled away in the second half of the event. Mathathi's time ranks in the top six all-time for a half-marathon event.

Jonathan Maiyo, who pulled clear after five miles, had to settle for second, 31 seconds back; London Marathon winner Emmanuel Mutai was third in 59:52.