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Kosgei breaks Tokyo Marathon course record
Kenyan runner Brigid Kosgei set a new benchmark at the Tokyo Marathon, finishing in 2:14:29 and shattering the previous record by over a minute.
Kosgei, 32, crossed the line more than two minutes ahead of Ethiopia's Bertukan Welde, who took second place with a time of 2:16:36. Another Ethiopian, Hawi Feysa, secured third in 2:17:39.
The previous course record of 2:15:55 was held by two-time Tokyo winner Sutume Asefa Kebede, set in 2024.
Olympic silver medalist eyes 2028 Games under new flag
Kosgei, who earned marathon silver for Kenya at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, revealed plans to compete for Turkey at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
"Kenya has so many talented athletes. I hope young runners will follow my path and join me in representing Turkey."
Brigid Kosgei
Men's race decided in dramatic sprint finish
Ethiopia's Tadese Takele successfully defended his Tokyo Marathon title, edging out a fierce challenge from Kenya's Geoffrey Toroitich and Alexander Mutiso Munyao.
Takele and Toroitich both clocked 2:03:37, with Munyao finishing just one second behind in third place.
The 23-year-old Takele described his strategy: "I knew the final stretch would be critical. Around the 41-kilometer mark, I held back to assess the competition before making my move right before the finish."
Key takeaways
- Kosgei's victory marks her second Tokyo Marathon win, following her 2021 triumph.
- The women's podium was dominated by East African runners, with Ethiopia claiming two spots.
- The men's race showcased a tight finish, with less than two seconds separating the top three.
