WILSON Kipsang produced a fantastic sprint finish to claim victory in the Bupa Great North Run.

The Kenyan, who also triumphed in the London Marathon earlier this year, was behind with less than 20 metres of the half-marathon to go.

But he kicked again to overhaul compatriot Micah Kogo in one of the most memorable finishes in the 31-year history of the Great North Run.

Kipsang, who claimed a bronze medal in the Olympic marathon in London, finished in a time of 59:06, the second fastest time over the course from Newcastle to South Shields.

Ethiopian Imane Merga finished third on his half-marathon debut, while Chris Thompson smashed his personal best to finish as the leading Briton in sixth position in a time of 1:01:00.

Meanwhile, Canada's Josh Cassidy finished well clear of the field as he defended his title in the elite men's wheelchair race.