Former Richmond-based long distance runner Mara Yama-uchi posted a lifetime best time on her way to winning the Osaka International Marathon in Japan on Sunday - her first marathon victory.

Yamauchi, who now lives in Japan, shaved three seconds off her best to win in two hours 25 minutes 10 seconds.

"I made a mess of things last year," said Yamauchi, who finished ninth at the World Championships marathon in Osaka. "I was determined to be stronger this time."

She added: "I am happy with my first victory. I was hoping to run little faster, but a win is a win, so I am very happy."

"I never thought I would win a major race, having finished so many races last year in the minor places.

"But I knew that this was a race I could win, if I ran sensibly and saved myself for the final few miles.

"Breaking the tape at the finish for the first time was very special. I can now look forward to Beijing with renewed confidence, knowing that I can do what I thought I never could."

Yamauchi, 33, will be looking to join fellow Briton Paula Radcliffe in the marathon field at this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing.

With her winning performance, she became the first British athlete to achieve an Olympic A' qualifying standard this year, and will almost certainly guarantee her an Olympic team place.