Britain's Shelly Woods lost her Great North Run wheelchair crown in a thrilling finish on Sunday.

Canada's Diane Roy pipped her to the line by a single second to win the half-marathon race in a time of 51 minutes and 18 seconds.

Woods, who won in 2005 and 2007, was gracious in defeat, saying that Roy "was the better woman on the day".

Canadian Josh Cassidy won the men's race by nearly a minute, crossing the line in 44 minutes 11 seconds.

"It was hard this year. I was a few seconds slower than last year but as I did it on my own without the pack I am happy," said Cassidy.

"It is tough when you do not have the pack to share the work.

"The people here are great, not just during the race but before as well. They have been wonderful, it is great to come here and I'll be back next year."

GREAT NORTH RUN WHEELCHAIR RACE RESULTS:

Men:

1 Josh Cassidy (Can) 44mins 10 secs
2 Ralph Brunner (Ger) 45:03
3 Rafael Botello Jimenez (Sp) 47:58

Women:

1 Diane Roy (Can) 51:18
2 Shelly Woods (GB) 51:19
3 Francesca Pocellato (It) 59:12