Sir Mo Farah faced up to the end of his dazzling track career after being beaten by a club runner on the streets of London.
Britain’s greatest athlete lost out to Ellis Cross, who paid £37 to enter the London Vitality 10,000 and had a number rather than name on his race vest.
Farah, 39, made no excuses and immediately confirmed he would not go to the World Championships.
Asked whether it was time to accept that a track career that has brought four Olympic gold medals and six world titles is at an end he replied: “I think, for sure.
“I’m just being honest. In terms of track that’s it, I think.”
He rowed back a little to admit that he could, possibly, have one more go at the Commonwealth games in Birmingham this July.
But when asked if that was likely Farah replied: “Right now, no.
“I’m not a spring chicken any more. Unless I can compete with the guys and be competitive, you’ve got to kind of be honest and make that decision."
In a race he had won seven times in eight previous attempts Britain's most decorated athlete was outsprinted to the line by 25-year old Cross, one of 16,500 runners taking part.
Farah added: “At the minute I think I’ve got a lot of work to get back into it and race again and be in decent shape.
“When I line up I’ve got to be the best athlete I can be and believe I can win. Today, where I am, there’s a lot more work that needs to be done.”
