Kenyas Brigid Kosgei lowers world record

Brigid Kosgei of Kenya wins the women's the 2019 Great North Run in Newcastle, England, yesterday. [AP]

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei broke the women’s half-marathon world record yesterday, crossing the line in one hour four minutes and 28 seconds to win the Great North Run.

Her time was 23 seconds quicker than the previous best of 1:04.51 by fellow Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei, set in 2017.

However, some British reports said because the course was marginally downhill it would not count as an official time.

Kenyan Brigid Kosgei, who won the London Marathon in April, set a new half marathon world record to take the women’s race in 1:04:28.

Kenya dominated the women’s race, claiming the top four places. Behind Kosgei’s record run, Magdalyne Masai finished second, with older sister Linet third and Mary Keitnay, last year’s champion, in fourth.

Charlotte Purdue set the third-fastest half marathon time by a British woman, finishing fifth in 1:08:10.

Britons were also strong in the wheelchair events, with Simon Lawson third behind Canadian Brent Lakatos in the men’s race.

Britain’s Mo Farah has won a record sixth successive Great North Run with a personal best time.

Farah, 36, finished in 59 minutes seven seconds after racing ahead of Ethiopian Tamirat Tola in the final mile.

David Weir won his eighth wheelchair title, with Jade Jones-Hall making it a British double in the women’s race.

Farah - a two-time Olympic champion at both 5,000m and 10,000m - said the race was good preparation for the Chicago Marathon on October 13, with Tokyo 2020 on the horizon.

“I’ve really enjoyed it but the past couple of years has been in the middle of marathon preparation. It was good to test myself,” he told BBC Sport after beating the record of Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who won five consecutive wheelchair titles.

“Things are looking good and I’m happy with the win. Tokyo is definitely on the cards - as an athlete you always want to represent your country.

“You just have to take it one year at a time. Hopefully, come Tokyo time, we will be in the mix.”

Behind Farah, Tola finished second in 59:13, with Dutchman Abdi Nageeye in third. Britain’s Callum Hawkins, 27, was fourth.