Grey-Thompson's five-star class

Papworth (l) congratulates Lemeunir

Britain's Tanni Grey-Thompson was in a class of her own to claim victory in the women's wheelchair race at the London Marathon.

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist showed why she was one of the greatest British athletes of all time with a near faultless display.

Tanni Grey-Thompson crosses the finishing line

There was concern at one stage when she suffered from a punctured tyre with the cobbled section of the 26-mile course giving her a few problems, but the Welsh athlete used all her resolve to storm to victory.

"I was really pleased with the day," said Grey-Thompson.

"It wasn't a strong women's field, so I went off fast to join the men's field early on.

"It was nice winning here because I always have a nightmare after a Paralympics year.

"My ambition is to beat Ian (her husband) one day."

Frenchman Dennis Lemeunir was also in fine fettle to cause an upset and win the men's race.

Britain's Kevin Papworth, who was strongly tipped to retain his title after last year's win, could only manage second place.