Gebrselassie wins

The 39-year-old cruised home in a time of 27 minutes and 39 seconds, beating compatriots Tsegay Kebede and Ayele Abshero, who rounded out an all-Ethiopian podium in silver and bronze respectively.

The women’s race was won by Kenya’s Linet Masai, who came home in a controlled 31:35.

"For me it was just great that I ran so quickly and it reflected on what my training suggested I might do," Gebrselassie said afterwards.

"For a change the Manchester weather was good and I felt very good from start to finish."

The highest-placing Briton was Neil Burton, who finished a creditable 10th with a personal best of 29:31.

Masai was the clear favourite and did not disappoint, romping home 17 seconds ahead of Italy’s Nadia Ejjafini and Kenya’s Doris Changiwo.

Britain’s Mara Yamauchi placed sixth, fading following a pace-setting start.

"She (Yamauchi) went off fast, so I was just happy to sit in," said Masai afterwards.