Slovakia's Toth wins 50 km walk at world championships

The 32-year-old Toth surged ahead after opening an early lead in the gruelling event to win in a time of three hours, 40 minutes and 32 seconds on a hot and humid morning in the Chinese capital.

Toth finished almost two minutes clear of his nearest rival, crossing the finish line at Beijing's national stadium with the Slovakian national flag raised over his shoulders.

Australia's Jared Tallent, the silver medallist at the last two Olympics and bronze medallist at the previous two world championships, finished second, continuing his impressive streak of podium finishes at major events.

Tallent completed the journey in 3:42:17, his best time this season, with Japan's Takayuki Tanii taking the bronze medal in 3:42:55.

Hirooki Arai of Japan was fourth, ahead of Ireland's defending champion Robert Heffernan.