Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya recovered from a fall early on to successfully defend his title in the men's race ©Getty Images

Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya recovered from a fall early on to successfully defend his International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Half Marathon Championships title amid blustery conditions in Cardiff today.

Kamworor, winner of the elite race at the 2014 event in Copenhagen, broke away late on his way to clocking 59min 10sec to finish ahead of compatriot Bernard Karoki, who won the silver medal in 59:36.

Britain’s Olympic and world 5,000 and 10,000 metres  champion Mo Farah, the bookies favourite before the race began in a wet and windy Welsh capital, secured the final spot on the podium as he earned the bronze medal in 59:59.

The result saw the Kenyan runner lay down a marker ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games on Rio de Janeiro, where Kamworor and Farah are likely to clash again on the track.

It also saw the 23-year-old from Eldoret claim revenge over the Briton, who beat him to the 10,000m title at last year’s IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

“I am disappointed," Farah said.

“With great support from the home crowd it would have been nice to win.

"But there were better athletes who won on the day, the guys were strong and I couldn't go with it.

“I did run a fast time but as an athlete you always want to win.

“It gives me massive motivation for Rio."

Peres Jepchirchir, centre, led home a Kenyan clean sweep in the women’s race ©Getty Images
Peres Jepchirchir, centre, led home a Kenyan clean sweep in the women’s race ©Getty Images

Peres Jepchirchir led home a Kenyan clean sweep in the women’s event, crossing the line in 67:31 to beat compatriot Cynthia Limo by three seconds.

Mary Wacera, silver medallist at the 2014 World Half Marathon Championships in the Danish capital, did enough to take home the bronze.

The formidable Kenyan trio clinched their second consecutive team title with an overall time of 3:22:59, comfortably ahead of eventual silver medallists Ethiopia.

Japan sealed bronze thanks to a combined effort of 3:32:25.

Kamworor had spoken in the build-up to the men’s race of potentially challenging the world record time of 58:23 but that never appeared likely from the moment the gun was fired as the Kenyan slipped and fell on the start line.

He shrugged off the early disappointment and quickly rejoined the field before timing his kick perfectly to wrap up a comfortable triumph.

Kenya followed the women in taking the team crown ahead of Ethiopia, with the top three runners combined clocking an overall 2:58:58.

Eritrea claimed bronze in 3:06:18.