Two-time champion Martin Lel has been forced to pull out of this weekend’s Great North Run due to injury.

Martin Lel produced a thrilling sprint for the line in the men's race to secure a third London victory in four years in a course record of 2hr 5min 15sec.

Martin Lel regained the men’s title at this year’s Flora London Marathon thanks to a tremendous turn of pace in the final 300 metres today.

Martin Lel won the men’s Flora London Marathon in the world’s fastest time of the year – two hours seven minutes 26seconds.

Martin Lel left fellow Kenyan and defending champion Rodgers Rop in his wake to win the New York City men’s marathon crown yesterday, as compatriot Margaret Okayo took the women’s race in a course record time.