Pakistan, Sept. 27 -- Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa narrowly missed the women's world marathon record in Berlin on Sunday after battling an injury during the closing stages. Assefa finished in 2:11:04 after staying on record pace for most of the race. She crossed the line while limping before collapsing and receiving medical treatment.

Assefa pushed harder during the final 10 kilometres as she chased the world record. She remained ahead of the required pace with only two kilometres left in the race. However, a foot problem affected her stride near the finish and ended her hopes of breaking the mark.

Her time ranks as the third-fastest women's marathon in history. It also improved her previous personal best and Berlin course record of 2:11:53,...