Britains 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 Ethiopias Tamirat Tola, who won in 59 minutes 58 seconds.

Its 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.

Ive won it six times and had some amazing memories. Its really important to come out here and give my support to the crowd.

Kenyas Peres Jepchirchir, the Olympic marathon champion, won the womens race in 1:06:45.

Compatriot Sharon Lokedi was 58 seconds behind in second, with Britains Charlotte Purdue third.

Belgiums Bashid Abdi was runner-up in the mens race, 1:22 behind world marathon champion Tola, and Ethiopias Muktar Edris was third.

Britains Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Daniel Sidbury won the mens wheelchair race and Samantha Kinghorn the womens.

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