The 33-year-old Londoner won in 47min 32sec to finish just over two minutes behind the course record of 45:20 that he set last year.

The race at the famous Northampton race track was being used by Weir to fine tunes his preparations for the London Marathon, which is due to take place in six weeks' time on April 21.

At that event, the six-time Paralympic champion will be looking to overtake Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson's record by becoming the first wheelchair racer to win the Virgin London Marathon seven times, with the pair currently level on six wins each.

Weir showed that he means business ahead of the race next month as he finished over five minutes ahead of compatriot Simon Lawson, who crossed the line in 52:47.

Another Briton, Phil Hogg, took third in 53:21.

"I found today's conditions tougher than last year, but the race went well," Weir said.

"I feel like I'm in pretty good shape considering the amount of time I've had out.

"Today's race revealed what I need to do in training, so I'll knuckle down for the next seven weeks so I'm ready to give it my best shot and go for a record seven wins at this year's London Marathon."

In the women's wheelchair race, Britain's Paralympic track star Jade Jones took victory in an impressive 62:09, a time that would have seen her take sixth place in the men's race.

The 17-year-old finish more than 30 minutes ahead of second placed Elizabeth McTernan, while Kirsty Bowen completed an all-British women's podium by taking third.

"I felt great out there," said Jones," who is too young to take part in the full Virgin London Marathon this April but will compete in the Virgin Money Giving Mini Marathon.

"Winning here today has given me a huge boost before the Mini Marathon; it's such an amazing event and the spectators really spur me on."

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