FIT-AGAIN LEL TYNES IT RIGHT; ATHLETICS: GREAT NTH RUN.

Byline: LEE WEST

MARTIN LEL showed he is back to his best after injury with a brilliant victory at the BUPA Great North Run yesterday.

The former world halfmarathon champion clocked 59 minutes 32 seconds - two seconds off his lifetime best - on Tyneside to regain the title he held in 2007.

Lel had not raced since winning the Lisbon halfmarathon in March, having missed the London Marathon in April with hip trouble.

But the 30-year-old Kenyan put on a vintage display, powering away in the final half-mile to stifle the challenge of Kiplimo Kimutai, who finished 12 seconds behind his compatriot.

Two-time world marathon gold medallist Jaouad Gharib was third in 1hr 4sec, cramp after 10 miles causing the Moroccan major problems in the closing stages.

After posting the race's second-fastest time behind Zersenay Tadese's 59min 5sec of four years ago, Lel said: "I was well prepared for this race but as I hadn't competed for so many months, I wasn't certain of what might happen.

"I always felt in control and there was no problem from my hip in what was a very fast race and against a very tough field."

Portugal's Jessica Augusto was a runaway winner of the women's title. She and Nikki Chapple, of Australia, broke away after three miles, but none of their more experienced rivals attempted to follow.

Augusto, who finished in 1hr 9min 8sec, said: "This is the biggest win of my career and my fastest-ever half marathon."

Berhane Adere, of Ethiopia, was second and Augusto's countrywoman, Ana Dule Felix, third.

A record 54,000 runners took part, including Hull City boss Phil Brown (left), chef Gordon Ramsey and Olympic rower James Cracknell, who was the first celebrity to cross the finishing line in a time of 1hr 18min 32sec.

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HAPPY DAYS Lel after finishing