• World record holder, Brigid Kosgei retained her London Marathon title in the elite-only women's race.
  • Kosgeis finish time was a good deal slower than her world record time of 2:14:04 Paula Radcliffe's world record in Chicago London Marathon 2020: Your stories, Simon.
brigid kosgei ken during the elite womens race in the rain the historic elite only virgin money london marathon taking place on a closed loop circuit around st jamess park in central london on sunday 4 october 2020 photo thomas lovelock for virgin money london marathon for further information medialondonmarathoneventscouk
VMLM 2020: Your stories

After breaking away at mile 18, reigning London Marathon champ and world record holder Brigid Kosgei of Kenya ran solo across the finish line to win this year’s race in 2:18:58.

American Sara Hall, who was as far back as 10th at one point, passed Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich in the final stretch to finish second in 2:22:01, a 15-second personal best. Chepngetich crossed in 2:22:04.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the race, Kosgei said, 'The weather is not good. So we struggled. It's wonderful to race. We have not prepared well due to the pandemic.

'I struggled up to the moment I finished. I will be well-prepared for good results next year.'

Kosgei's finish time was a good deal slower than her world record time of 2:14:04.

For Steph Twell, things didn't go to plan and she limped out of the race around mile 16. Lily Partridge, the 2018 British Champion, also could not finish.