Kenya's Catherine Ndereba produced a fast finish to take the women's marathon title at the World Championships in Paris.
The 31-year-old stretched away from the field at the 35-km mark to triumph in two hours 23.55 minutes - a new championship record.
Japan's Mizuki Noguchi entered the Stade de France 150m behind Ndereba to claim the silver medal in only her third run over the distance.
Her team-mate Magako Chiba took the bronze in a time of 2:25.09.
Ndereba, who held the marathon world record before it was smashed by Britain's Paula Radcliffe, took to the streets of Paris as favourite.
The Kenyan nestled within the pack through the first 30km before pushing out on her own to pick up her first major championship medal.
Naoko Sakamoto finished fourth to complete Japan's scoring trio and hand them victory in the team competition, the World Marathon Cup.
Britain's sole competitor Jo Lodge, came home in 39th place, in a time of 2:37.56.
1. Catherine Ndereba (Ken) 2hrs 23mins 55secs
2. Mizuki Noguchi (Jpn) 2:24:14
3. Masako Chiba (Jpn) 2:25:09
4. Naoko Sakamoto (Jpn) 2:25:25
5. Bong-sil Ham (Prk) 2:25:31
6. Elfenesh Alemu (Eth) 2:26:29
7. Joyce Chepchumba (Ken) 2:26:33
8. Olivera Jevtic (Scg) 2:26:49
9. Svetlana Zakharova (Rus) 2:26:53
10. Shitaye Gemechu (Eth) 2:27:26
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MMIX
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