The 24-year-old from Pennsylvania raced wheel-to-wheel with Woods for almost the entire 26.2 mile course but managed to hold of the 24-year-old from Blackpool in a dramatic sprint finish.

McGrory, who won the Paris Marathon last week, smashed the course record by over a minute with a time of 1 hour 46min 31sec with Woods finishing with the same time.

Switzerland's Sandra Graf, the former course record holder, finished in third in 1:46.33 just ahead of the 2010 New York Marathon winner Tatyana McFadden of the United States who suffered a puncture toward the end of the race.

"With about a mile to go there were still four of us in with a chance but I was confident with my finishing speed," said McGrory, who was picking up her second London marathon crown, having also won the race in 2009.

"I was worried leading at the end as I couldn't see what was behind me but I pushed as hard as I could and I was delight to cross the line first.

"This victory feels just as special at my first London Marathon victory two years ago.

"This was a very good competition and I feel great to have beaten these athletes.

"It was the best weather for wheelchair racing as it was gorgeous weather when we started but we finished before it became too hot.

"With 500 days to go to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, hopefully this victory is a sign of things to come."

Meanwhile Woods refused to be too downbeat despite being inches away from victory.

"I'm very happy with my performance and it was a great race to be a part of," said the 2007 London Marathon winner.

"I felt comfortably throughout but things changed quickly once we came round the corner and saw the finish line and all broke into a sprint.

"Amanda was just too strong in the end but I feel like that is one of the best sprint finishes I have ever done.

"Obviously it is disappointing to come so close and not to win but it was a very strong field to finish second and in such a good time is a good feeling."

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