39-year-old Heffernan, who looks likely to retire after these championships crossed the line in a very respectable 3:44:41, seven places behind winner Yohann Diniz of France.

Diniz set a new championship record clocking 3:33:12.

Heffernan, a world champion in 2013, has now competed in seven World Championships and five Olympic Games.

Last year the Irish athlete also received an Olympic bronze medal from London 2012, following the disqualification of Russia’s Sergey Kirdyapkin for doping offences.

Speaking after his race Heffernan said: “I’ve had a great career and it was a good note to go out on.

“I’d like to thank my team and everyone who has supported me.”

In the 20km race walk, Britain’s Tom Bosworth was disqualified following three red cards for technique infractions.  Bosworth, who finished 6th at the Rio Olympics last year, received all three cards before the halfway point.

The 27-year-old, who was leading the field before his race was abruptly ended, had hopes of winning a medal in London.

“I was just getting going and usually I’m really technically efficient. I’m definitely going to learn from this and get better, because it’s clear that physically I can compete with the lead guys.” he said.

Earlier this summer Bosworth set a world record for the one-mile race walk at the Anniversary Games in London.

Colombia’s Eider Arevalo won in 1:18.53 to secure the South American county’s first gold at the World Championships.

Ireland’s Alex Wright was also disqualified in the 20km race walk, while Britain’s Callum Wilkinson finished 41st in 1:23:54.

In the 50km race walk Britain’s Dominic King had an early exit after being disqualified.

Portugal’s Ines Henriques set a new world record to win the women’s 50km title, while Jiayu Yang of China picked up the 20km gold.

The post Ireland’s Rob Heffernan set to retire after 8th place, while GB’s Tom Bosworth is disqualified appeared first on Fast Running.

This video, is from a series of videos Tom has filmed for his YouTube channel ‘Tom Walks TV’. Be sure to check out his channel.

Earlier this month, Tom lit up the track at the Anniversary Games in London, as he raced to a new world record for the one mile race walk.

The British athlete is also the current national record holder for 3k, 5k, 10k and 20k.

The post VIDEO: Tom Bosworth interview with Mo Farah appeared first on Fast Running.

The British Olympian raced to the finish line in 5:31.08, to break the 26 year old record.

Bosworth will now set his sights on the 20k race walk at the World Championships in London.

The lowdown on race walking?

Race walking requires that athletes maintain contact with the ground at all times.

As the foot contacts the ground, athletes are required to keep the leading leg straightened, and remain straightened until the leg passes under the body.

The post Tom Bosworth sets 1 mile world record in London appeared first on Fast Running.