Kew Gardens opened to the public later than usual on Friday - after athletes completed a swift 26.1 miles around its grounds.

The gardens were hosting the marathon and 20km walk British trial events as athletes competed for a spot at this summer's Tokyo Olympics.

The women's marathon event was won by London-based Steph Davis, 30, in a personal best time of 2 hours 27 minutes 16 seconds. She was the only woman to finish inside the Olympic qualifying time.

Chris Thompson, 39, won the men's race in 2 hours 10 mins 50 seconds. Ben Connor, 28, will join him in Tokyo after finishing second.

The men's 20km walk was won by Callum Wilkinson and the women's by Heather Lewis. Neither made the Olympic qualifying time, but will have more opportunities to do so.

Kew reopened at 11am and its senior events manager Nick Thompson said: "We were delighted to be able to host the British Olympic trials today.

"Whilst it did require us to open up the gardens an hour later than usual, we think that our visitors appreciated the world class event being held on site and are proud of the magnificent setting being used for this event."

The event was organised in partnership with British Athletics and Richmond RUNFEST.

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