Farah makes more history in winning third Great North run

It didn't matter that he may be emotionally and physically drained from his exploits at the Olympic Games or that this was his first race since defending his 5,000m and 10,000m titles in Rio, Farah did what he always does – win.

His time of one hour and three seconds wasn't a half-marathon personal best but it was enough to hold off Dathan Ritzenhein and Emmanuel Bett to clinch a third consecutive Great North Run triumph.

Farah became the first man in history to accomplish that feat, less than a month after joining Lasse Viren as the only men to do the long-distance double at back-to-back Olympic Games.

And the Brit admitted after the race that his recent exploits were finally catching up to him.

"To be honest with you I'm knackered," said Farah."I knew it was going to be hard work.

"Dathan ran a great race, I know him well, we used to be training partners. He put his foot down and tried to get at me.

"I like road running – it's a different pain, so I sometimes question myself, whether I should just stick to the track."

Part of Farah's enduring appeal is his showmanship despite the physical torture he is putting his body through and that was evident again on Sunday.

With less than 200m to go and no-one on his tail, the 33-year-old pulled out a cheeky heel flick for the roaring crowds before producing his trademark ‘Mobot' as he crossed the line.

And after one of the most spectacular distance-running seasons in history, Farah concedes he is now ready for a well-earned break.

"It's good to finish the year on a high and what a year I've had," added Farah. "I just want to go home now, chill out, see the kids, get up to no good."

Sportsbeat 2016