David Weir clinches fifth London Marathon title

Britain's David Weir produced a commanding performance to win his fifth wheelchair London Marathon title.

The 31-year-old from Surrey moved ahead of Swiss rival Heinz Frei in the final 300 metres during an exciting finish.

Weir, who won three golds at the IPC World Championships in January, is now the most successful male wheelchair athlete in the race's history.

Meanwhile, Briton Shelley Woods was beaten on the line by American Amanda McGrory in the women's event.

The pair, along with Sandra Graf and Tatyana McFadden all turned into The Mall together.

But McGrory and Woods went clear of the other two before the American, who won the Paris marathon last week, pipped the Briton by about half a wheel.

Woods said she was happy with her performance despite the narrow defeat.

"I was trying hard during that little bit but Amanda was too strong," said the 24-year-old.

"It was fast and I enjoyed it. You always knew it would come down to a sprint on this course. I was trying to save a little for the finish."

McGrory, who won in 2009, was delighted with the conditions.

"It feels wonderful - it was the best weather for wheelchair racing," said the American.

"It was gorgeous weather when he started. It's warm and sunny now but luckily we finished before it became too hot."

Weir said it was difficult race but said his new chair helped him to victory.

"It was tough all the way," he said.

"I kept surging to see who was good and who wasn't. When Frei surged at the end I didn't think I could keep up.

"The new chair has made a big difference for me.

"I've won this one for my coach Jen's [Jenny Archer] mum who passed away recently."