Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei set a new course record with a commanding
victory at the Tokyo Marathon, AzerNEWS
reports.
The 32-year-old finished in 2:14:29 – more than two minutes
ahead of Ethiopia’s Bertukan Welde, who was second in 2:16:36.
Welde’s Ethiopian compatriot Hawi Feysa came third in
2:17:39.
The previous course record was 2:15:55 – set by two-time Tokyo
winner Sutume Asefa Kebede in 2024.
Kosgei, who won marathon silver for Kenya at the Tokyo Olympics
in 2021, is planning to represent Turkey at the 2028 Los Angeles
Games.
“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.”
