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 94: It's Time To Get Quizical! - Martin and Deena take on our mid-season quiz.
Deena and Martin meet Paul Tonkinson, who joins us to talk about this new book, Running Through Sand, an ageing runners tale of running the Marathon Des Sables, frequently described as the toughest marathon on earth!
Elite Line-Up for the TCS Sydney Marathon Announced
World champions, marathon stars and Olympic legends set to headline the strongest field in Australian history at TCS Sydney Marathon
Biggest ever field for Tokyo Marathon
Record-breaking prize money and significant advances in disability categories also announced
