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Germany's Irina Mikitenko retained the women's title after repelling a spirited challenge from Britain's Mara Yamauchi.

The women's race quickly turned into a three-way tussle between Mikitenko, Chinese Olympic bronze medallist Zhou Chunxiu and Yamauchi.

Zhou found the pace too hot after 27 km and Mikitenko seized her opportunity to put the pressure on Japan-based Yamauchi, breaking away at 32 km and steadily increasing her lead.

Mikitenko finished in two hours, 22 minutes and 11seconds to record her third win in only four marathons with Yamauchi, who finished sixth in Beijing, clocking a personal best 2:23:12. Russian Lilya Shobukhova came through strongly in the latter stages to finish third in 2:24:24.

"I was feeling confident that I had it my legs," Mikitenko said.

Yamauchi provided ample consolation to the large crowds packing the streets of London for the absence of British world record holder Paula Radcliffe, who pulled out of the race because of a broken toe.

"I have made a big improvement in the last two years," she said. "So I just wanted to give everything. The crowds were fantastic."

Olympic champion Constantina Dita of Romania dropped out at the halfway stage complaining of breathing difficulties.

Provisional result of the London Marathon

1. Irina Mikitenko (Germany) 2 hrs 22 mins 11 secs

2. Mara Yamauchi (Britain) 2:23:12

3. Liliya Shobukhova (Russia) 2:24:24

4. Svetlana Zakharova (Russia) 2:25:06

5. Berhane Adere (Ethiopia) 2:25:30

6. Inga Abitova (Russia) 2:25:55

7. Catherine Ndereba (Kenya) 2:26:22

8. Tomo Morimoto (Japan) 2:26:29

9. Gete Wami (Ethiopia) 2:26:54

10. Lyudmila Petrova (Russia) 2:27:42

Sporting Life / Eurosport