Peres Jepchirchir edged out Tigst Assefa in a stunning sprint finish to add the world championship title to the Olympic gold she won in the same city.
Four years after scaling those lofty heights in Tokyo, Jepchirchir thrilled the crowds to win an unforgettable race in the sapping heat.
Jepchirchir, a Major winner in Boston, London and New York, was locked in a gruelling battle with Assefa, who set a women-only world record to win in London just five months ago.
The pair were inseparable as they entered the national stadium but Jepchirchir dug deep to push on and win by just two seconds.
There was a surprise third place as Julia Paternain won Uruguay's first medal at a major championships.
Other news
Episode 86: How To Get Into Every Major
The question everyone wants to know: just how do I get a bib for any of the Majors? We’re joined by a Majors veteran, Rob Dalto, to talk us through all the ways you can earn your place at one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Shanghai Marathon passes stage one of candidate assessment
Shanghai Marathon will now proceed to the second stage of the candidacy process in its attempt to join the series.
