David Weir powers to record seventh London Marathon title

Weir had said this race would his last, concluding a storied career that has seen the 37-year old win six Paralympic and six world titles.

But after outpacing Switzerland's Marcel Hug in a dramatic sprint finish on The Mall, winning in a time of one hour 31 minutes and six seconds, Weir was staying coy.

"That's the best ever, there have been some really difficult moments for me in the last five months and it just means so much," said Weir, who won his first marathon in 2002 and his last in the build-up to the 2012 Paralympics.

“There were times when perhaps I thought I'd never win again but this race is so special to me and I wanted this so badly.

"I'm pretty emotional right now because this has been such a tough time. I've so many people to thank, especially my family, friends and coach.

"I don't know what’s next right now, there are people I need to speak to first but I'm determined to enjoy this moment.”

Switzerland's Manuela Schar - who won the Boston Marathon on Monday - claimed the women's race in a course record one hour 39 minutes and 57 seconds - upgrading three consecutive second places.