David Weir became the most successful ever London Marathon wheelchair racer on Sunday when he won the event for a record fifth time.

The Wallington racer used his superior sprint speed to hold of the challenge of Switzerland's Heinz Frei in a fascinating battle that came down to the final straight down The Mall.

Weir crossed the line in one hour, 30 minutes and five seconds to make amends for the disappointment of last year when two punctures saw him lose out to Canada's Josh Cassidy.

It continues an amazing 2011 for the 31 year-old who won three gold medals at the IPC World Championships in New Zealand in January following on from his success at the New York marathon in November.

"I felt good all week and my preparations were perfect," said Weir after the win.

"Heinz stayed with me and I knew he would make a surge at the end but thankfully I had enough.

"I have got a new chair and that has made a massive difference."

It is the 10th year in a row that Weir has finished in the top three of the race but his first victory since 2008.