"What I can say is that we have started a new generation in marathon running," Makau said. "This is the greatest day of my running life."

"When I woke up today my body didn't feel very good but at 25 kms I felt I could break the world record."

Makau's team-mate Florence Kiplagat, the world half-marathon champion, won the women's race in 2:19:44 in her first completed marathon.

Kiplagat and world record holder Paula Radcliffe, running her first marathon since finishing fourth in New York two years ago, took the early lead followed by Germany's twice Berlin champion Irina Mikitenko. At 17 kms, Kiplagat began to stride away from the Briton and at the halfway stage held a 19-second lead.

Radcliffe, whose training has been hampered by back and thyroid problems, said 2011 had been a tough year. "At least I have the Olympic qualifying time, I now have to build on that for London," she said.

Gebrselassie, who has won the Berlin marathon four times, headed the leading group until just before the 27-km mark when he pulled up in obvious pain. He bent over double but then stepped back on to the road within a minute but was unable to finish the race.

Pacemaker Stephen Kwelio decided not to drop out of the men's race and was rewarded with second place ahead of Kenyan compatriots Edwin Kimaiyo and Felix Limo.