The 2010 Virgin London Marathon winner took gold just ahead of Beijing double gold medal winner David Weir.

The women’s field was won by Shelly Woods and in an incredible performance newcomer Jade Jones, the youngest athlete ever to compete in the race, surprised everyone by taking second place, only four seconds behind the lead female.

Cassidy completed the grueling course through the Tyne Tunnell  in 4min 04.3sec, followed by Weir in 4:13.3.

South African Ernst van Dyk took third place with a time of 4:23.0

Woods crossed the line of 6:31.1, closely followed by Jones in 6:35.4, and Italy's Francesca Porcelatto following in third place with a time of 7:49.5.

Cassidy said: "This year had the toughest competition in years, and so it was great to come out on top.

"I was pleased to have a clear win, and also setting a personal best."

Cassidy, an accomplished artist, was also commissioned to create a stunning new graphic image of the River God Tyne blowing wheelchair racers through the Tunnel to commemorate the 10th anniversary race, prints of which were handed to the race winners with their prizes.

Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson, who competed in the first ever Tyne Tunnel 2k, awarded the prizes to the female race winners, including Woods (pictured).



Jones is coached by Grey Thompson and her husband Ian Thompson.

The 15-year-old GCSE student is already world junior champion and record holder in the 100m to 1500m, and her performance tonight is set to place her as a serious contender for the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Race promoter David Burdus said: "This race could only happen here. 

"Tyne Tunnel 2 Ltd and the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority have helped create this modern classic. 

"North and South Tyneside Councils' support has also been central, with a special thanks to the Kier North Tyneside Council Partnership and North Tyneside Council’s event team at the finish line."

North Tyneside’s Mayo Linda Arkley, who presented prizes to the male winners after the race, said: "This is a unique event that we're immensely proud to be supporting once again.

"The speeds that the athletes reach are quite incredible and make the race tremendously exciting."


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