Farah retains British title at Virgin Money London Marathon

Mo Farah admits he is keeping his options open after retaining his British title at the Virgin Money London Marathon.

The four-time Olympic champion quit the track after the World Championships in London two years ago to focus on the 26-mile distance.

But he admitted he could yet look to defend his world 10,000m title in Doha later this year.

Farah clocked the second quickest time in history by a male British athlete as he crossed the line in fifth place in a time of 2.05.39, 28 seconds outside his personal best from Chicago last autumn.

But the anticipated showdown with world record holder Eliud Kipchoge failed to materialise as the Kenyan – in a class of his own – won a historic fourth London race in the second fastest marathon time in history.

“Eliud is just world class, I don’t know how I’ll beat him, maybe I’ll wait for him to retire,” joked Farah.

“I’m definitely disappointed with my result, training has gone well. I felt great at the start.

“My aim was to follow the pacemaker, but after 20 miles when he dropped out, the gap opened up and it became hard to close.

“The better man won, he is just a very special athlete and so humble. If Eliud can run those sort of times it just gives us another level of possibility. It’s a different mindset chasing someone and it takes the pressure off me.”