Britain’s Mo Farah kicked on the final corner and stormed down the home straight to retain his 5,000 metres world title yesterday, securing an unprecedented third successive distance double at major global championships.

The 32-year-old Olympic champion, who won the 10,000m in Beijing last weekend, clocked 13 minutes 50.38 seconds to win a record third straight 5,000 metres world title.

It was Farah’s seventh successive major distance crown after he won the 5,000m at the 2011 World Championships and the double at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.

“It is great to make history,” Farah said.

“I didn’t feel great, my hammy was playing up a bit but the medical team helped me through it and tonight come out here and make a double means so much to me.

“I was getting nervous for the first time in a little while but thanks to all the medical team. It was amazing to do it.

“Hopefully, the younger kids watching me will be encouraged. I want to be able to do something for them.”

Caleb Ndiku, who kicked with two laps to go to try to mitigate the impact of Farah’s strong finish, won silver for Kenya in 13.51.75 with Hagos Gebrhiwet, second behind Farah in Moscow two years ago, taking bronze for Ethiopia in 13.51.86.

Gebrhiwet’s team-mate Yomif Kejelcha finished fourth and Farah’s training partner Galen Rupp was a distant fifth.