Sir Mo Farah has bid farewell to fans in London after an “emotional” last-ever competitive race in the capital.

The 40-year-old British athlete, who announced in April he would be retiring, came fourth on Sunday in the Big Half marathon.

He previously won the event three times, including the first edition in 2018 and most recently in 2022.

The final race of his glittering career will be the Great North Run on Tyneside next Sunday.

Speaking after the London race where he was among more than 15,000 runners, Sir Mo told BBC Sport: “It was quite emotional today because I haven’t been feeling well this week, I’ve got a bit of a cold.

“I didn’t know if I could do the race, then I was thinking about all the people coming out here and I’m not going to get another chance.

“As I said, when you’ve achieved everything it must come to an end at some point.

“I’m getting on a bit and I’m kind of just looking forward to taking a break and hopefully being involved in sports, but just spending time with my family.”

Sir Mo, who was knighted in 2017, is the most decorated athlete in British track and field history.

He has six world titles to his name as well as four Olympic golds.

Farah started his career as a junior runner in London and won the London Mini Marathon twice in 1999 and 2000.

He also created history by winning the Vitality London 10,000 a record seven times between 2009 and 2019, while his London Marathon career high came in 2018 when he sprinted down The Mall to cheers from the crowds, finishing third.

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In April this year, he ran his final London Marathon, where he was ninth.

Jack Rowe was first in the elite men’s race on Sunday with a time of one hour, one minute and eight seconds, edging out fellow Briton Mahamed Mahamed who finished in 01:01:16.

Andrew Butchart was next to cross the line before Sir Mo finished with a time of 01:02:43.

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