By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit:PA.
Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei reclaimed the Tokyo Marathon title with a stunning 2:14:29 run, breaking the course and Japanese all-comers’ record.
Kosgei ran the seventh-fastest time in history and the second-quickest performance of her career to regain a title she claimed in 2021.
The Japanese all-comers’ record of 2:15:55 was set by two-time winner Sutume Asefa Kebede in 2024, who finished fourth.
Bertukan Welde secured second place in 2:16:36 and Hawi Feysa outsprinted Kebede for a podium place, finishing third as both athletes clocked 2:17:39.
“We have a lot of athletes in Kenya,” said Kosgei. “I want some young generation to follow my step to join me in Turkey.”
In the men’s race, Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele defended his title in a thrilling sprint finish with Kenyan duo Geoffrey Toroitich and Alexander Mutiso Munyao.
Takele clocked 2:03:37, which was the same official time as second-placed Toroitich, with Munyao finishing just one second further back in third.
“I knew that the final stage would be decisive,” said 23-year-old Takele. Around 41km I wanted to wait and see what would happen and then I made my move right before the finish.”
Tokyo Marathon results
Women
1 Brigid Kosgei (KEN) 2:14:29
2 Bertukan Welde (ETH) 2:16:36
3 Hawi Feysa (ETH) 2:17:39
4 Sutume Asefa Kebede (ETH) 2:17:39
5 Megertu Alemu (ETH) 2:18:50
6 Viola Cheptoo (KEN) 2:19:05
7 Mestawut Fikir (ETH) 2:20:00
8 Aberu Ayana (ETH) 2:20:30
9 Pascalia Jepkogei (KEN) 2:21:39
10 Ai Hosoda (JPN) 2:23:39
Men
1 Tadese Takele (ETH) 2:03:37
2 Geofry Toroitich Kipchumba (KEN) 2:03:37
3 Alexander Mutiso Munyao (KEN) 2:03:38
4 Daniel Mateiko (KEN) 2:03:44
5 Muktar Edris (ETH) 2:04:07
6 Iliass Aouani (ITA) 2:04:26
7 Selemon Barega (ETH) 2:05:00
8 Seifu Tura (ETH) 2:05:02
9 Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich (KEN) 2:05:21
10 Shifera Tamru (ETH) 2:05:56.