Kipruto and Kebede Win Tokyo Marathon With New Course Records
At the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, March 3, an event part of the World Athletics Platinum Label series, Benson Kipruto from Kenya and Ethiopia's Sutume Asefa Kebede shattered the Japanese all-comers' records with times of 2:02:16 and 2:15:55, respectively, clinching titles in their divisions. Their achievements came against formidable competitors in Tokyo, with Kipruto leading a Kenyan sweep of the top spots, followed by Timothy Kiplagat and Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, and Kebede outpacing Kenya's Rosemary Wanjiru and Amane Beriso of Ethiopia.
These victories not only showcased their dominance but also surpassed the previous records held by Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei since 2022. Despite Kipchoge's return to the site of his Olympic triumph, aiming for victory, he finished 10th with a time of 2:06:50.
The men's competition started at a record-breaking pace, eventually settling as a leading group, including Kipchoge, Kipruto, Kiplagat, and Ngetich, emerged. Kipchoge fell behind early, setting the stage for a tactical battle among the front runners. Ultimately, Kipruto surged ahead in the final kilometers to secure his win, improving his personal best significantly and advancing to the fifth position on the global all-time list. Kiplagat and Ngetich also posted personal bests in their subsequent finishes.
Kipchoge, who previously held the record at 2:02:40, crossed the finish line 10th with a time of 2:06:50, marking one of his slower performances at the age of 39. “Not every day is Christmas Day,” remarked Kipchoge, accepting the day's outcome with grace.
In the women's race, a leading pack formed early, including Kebede alongside prominent athletes like Sifan Hassan and Lonah Chemtai Salpeter. Despite Hassan's efforts, she fell back, leaving Kebede to triumph in the final stages of the race, significantly beating her previous personal best and climbing to eighth in the world rankings. The podium was completed by Wanjiru and Beriso, with Hassan finishing fourth.
The event also served as a crucial qualifier for Japanese athletes aiming for the Olympic Games, with Yusuke Nishiyama emerging as the top Japanese runner but unable to surpass the qualifying time set by Suguru Osako.
TOP RESULTS MEN
1. Benson Kipruto (Kenya) - 2:02:16 - CR
2. Timothy Kiplagat (Kenya) - 2:02:55
3. Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich (Kenya) - 2:04:18
4. Hailemaryam Kiros (Ethiopia) - 2:05:43
5. Tsegaye Getachew (Ethiopia) - 2:06:25
6. Bethwel Kibet (Kenya) - 2:06:26
7. Haimro Alame (Israel) - 2:06:27
8. Simon Kariuki (Kenya) - 2:06:29
9. Yusuke Nishiyama (Japan) - 2:06:31
10. Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) - 2:06:50
TOP RESULTS WOMEN
1. Sutume Asefa Kebede (Ethiopia) - 2:15:55 - CR
2. Rosemary Wanjiru (Kenya) - 2:16:14
3. Amane Beriso Shankule (Ethiopia) - 2:16:58
4. Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) - 2:18:05
5. Betsy Saina (U.S.A.) - 2:19:17
6. Hitomi Niiya (Japan) - 2:21:50
7. Meseret Abebayahau (Ethiopia) - 2:23:08
8. Khishigsaikhan Galbadrakh (Mongolia) - 2:26:32
9. Tigist Abayechew (Ethiopia) - 2:28:53
10. Ayumi Morita (Japan) - 2:31:38
