Britain’s four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah finished fourth in the final race of his illustrious career at the Great North Run.

The 40-year-old slipped off the pace early in the famous 13.1-mile race from Newcastle to South Shields.

He finished three minutes 29 seconds behind Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, who won in 59 minutes 58 seconds.

“It’s very emotional. There was a lot going through my mind today,” Farah told BBC Sport.

“All I know is running and that is what made me happy for so many years.

“Running is everything to me. Running is what saved me.

“I’ve won it six times and had some amazing memories. It’s really important to come out here and give my support to the crowd.”

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, the Olympic marathon champion, won the women’s race in 1:06:45.

Compatriot Sharon Lokedi was 58 seconds behind in second, with Britain’s Charlotte Purdue third.

Belgium’s Bashid Abdi was runner-up in the men’s race, 1:22 behind world marathon champion Tola, and Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris was third.

Britain’s Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Daniel Sidbury won the men’s wheelchair race and Samantha Kinghorn the women’s.

Almost 60,000 people are taking part in 42^ndedition of the Great North Run the biggest half marathon in the world. (BBC)