The field for the women’s race was considered one of the best ever assembled with three of the four fastest women in history competing.

They were on track for women’s only record – a record for a marathon run on a course without any male athletes in the race – throughout with the leading pack immediately putting distance between themselves and the rest of the field.

When the lead group began to thin it was Jepchirchir, Assefa, Jepkosgei and Alemu left standing.

They stayed together until Jepchirchir kicked for home in the last few hundred metres and the 30-year-old Kenyan was able to see off Assefa to win in London for the first time.

“I am feeling grateful. I am so happy for the victory. I was not expecting to run a world record – I knew it might be beat but I did not expect it to be me,” Jepchirchir told BBC Sport.

“I knew the history and the ladies were strong. I was working extra hard. My time was lower but I’ve come good today and set a PB.

“I am so happy to qualify for the Olympics and I feel grateful. I’m happy to be at Paris and my prayer is to be there and run well to defend my title. I know it won’t be easy but I’ll try my best.”