Hellen Obiri held off Peres Jepchirchir and Almaz Ayana to retain Great North Run title

Defending champion Hellen Obiri held off Peres Jepchirchir and Almaz Ayana to retain her title.

The trio broke away from the field early in the race and although they were joined briefly by Hiwot Gebrekidan, it was they who contested the race as it entered its final throes.

Kenyan Obiri made the decisive kick in sight of the finish line as she clocked 1.07.05, 37 seconds faster than last year, with compatriot Jepchirchir, the Olympic marathon champion, two seconds behind and Ethiopia’s Ayana a further three seconds adrift.

Obiri told the PA news agency: “It’s good for me because I won last year and I won this year on different courses.

“It’s a great opportunity to do a faster one than last time, so I’m so happy.”

Briton Charlotte Purdue, who finished third last year, came home in fifth place in 1.10.11.