(File Photo: VCG)

HUANGSHAN, China, March 9 (Xinhua) -- China's star race walker Liu Hong became the first woman to break the 4-hour barrier in 50km event as she cruised to a 3:59:15 victory to set the world record at the Chinese Race Walk Grand Prix here on Saturday.

The top two finishers both beat the former world record of 4:4:36 set by countrywoman Liu Rui at the 2018 IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships in Taicang.

The 31-year-old Liu, gold medalist at the 2016 Olympic Games, also holds the women's 20km world record thanks to her 1:24:38 win in La Coruna, Spain back in 2015.