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Volha Mazuronak won European women's marathon gold despite suffering from a nosebleed in the opening stages of the race in Berlin.

The Belarusian, 29, finished ahead of France's Clemence Calvin and the Czech Republic's Eva Vrabcova Nyvltova.

Mazuronak won the title in a time of two hours 26.22 minutes

After managing to stem the bleeding in the early stages of the race, Mazuronak nearly went the wrong way with less than a mile to go.

Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe said Mazuronak's breathing was her "biggest factor".

"It's very unusual, I don't think I've ever seen it, especially in the early stages of a marathon," said Radcliffe.

Tracy Barlow placed the highest of five Britons in the race, finishing 15th.

Belgium's Koen Naert won the men's marathon in a new Championship record time of two hours 9.51 minutes.

Switzerland's Tadesse Abraham won silver while Yassine Rachik of Italy took bronze.