FORMER world half-marathon champion Martin Lel signalled he is back in superb condition after injury with a brilliant victory at the Bupa Great North Run today.

Lel, who was forced to pull out of chasing a fourth title at the London Marathon in April due to a hip injury, showed he is back to full fitness with a fine winning time of 59 minutes 32 seconds to regain the title he won in 2007.

The 30-year-old Kenyan admitted beforehand that, having not raced since winning the Lisbon half-marathon in March, he was not sure what kind of performance he would produce.

But he mustered another vintage display, powering away in the final half-mile to stifle the challenge of countryman Kiplimo Kimutai, who also clocked a highly respectable time of 59mins 44secs.

Two-time world marathon gold medallist Jaouad Gharib finished third in 1hr 04secs, a bout of cramp after 10 miles causing the Moroccan major problems in the closing stages.

After posting the GNR’s second fastest-ever time behind Zersenay Tadese’s four-year-old mark of 59:05, Lel now feels he is ready to bid for a third New York marathon victory in November.

“I was well prepared for this race but, as I had not competed for so many months, I was still not certain of what might happen,” Lel said.

“I always felt in control and there was no problems from my hip in what was a very fast race and against a very tough field whom I respected.”

The reigning World Marathon Majors champion, who missed his lifetime best by only two seconds, added: “Now I will put in some intensive training before New York, where winning for a third time will be more important than chasing a fast time.”

Jessica Augusto was a runaway winner of the women’s title, and admitted afterwards she was surprised none of her more experienced rivals attempted to follow her as she made a breakaway with Nikki Chapple after three miles.

The Portuguese and Australian runners quickly opened up a gap of more than 25 yards over a high-profile pack including Ethiopia’s former champion Berhane Adere and the fastest competitor in the field, Salina Kosgei from Kenya.

Augusto soon dropped Chapple and powered ahead to break her previous best by two and a half minutes with a time of one hour, nine minutes, eight seconds.

“I knew I was in good shape but with so many good Ethiopians and Kenyans here I didn’t expect to get a medal and I was surprised when they did not challenge me when I pulled away,” she said.