Tokyo Marathon: Takele Defends Title in Sprint Finish, Kosgei Smashes Course Record

Tokyo, 1 March 2026 — In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent marathon history, Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele successfully defended his Tokyo Marathon title, edging out a fast-closing field in a final-kilometre sprint at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon. Takele crossed the line in 2:03:37, narrowly matched by Kenya’s Geoffrey Toroitich with the same official time, while compatriot Alexander Mutiso was just one second behind in 2:03:38.

The men’s race remained tightly packed deep into the marathon, with several contenders staying shoulder to shoulder well past 30 km. In the closing stages, Takele showed excellent composure and finishing speed, fending off a late charge from Toroitich and Mutiso — a finish rarely seen at the top of World Marathon Majors competition.

Behind the podium trio, Daniel Mateiko (KEN) clocked 2:03:44 for fourth and Muktar Edris (ETH) ran 2:04:07 for fifth, underlining the exceptional depth of the elite men’s field on a fast course in the Japanese capital.

Takele’s performance marks back-to-back victories in Tokyo, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s most consistent marathon performers this season.

Men Top Results

Kosgei Dominates, Sets Course Record in Women’s Race

In the women’s elite race, Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei delivered a remarkable performance to win in 2:14:29, breaking the previous course record and posting the seventh fastest time ever run in a women’s marathon.

Kosgei, a former world record holder and Olympic silver medallist, asserted control over the race after the 20-mile mark, gradually building a gap that would become unassailable. Her time not only surpassed the Tokyo course mark but also stood as one of the standout performances on the global marathon circuit this year.

Ethiopia’s Bertukan Welde finished strongly in second place with 2:16:36, while Hawi Feysa (ETH) took third in 2:17:39, edging out other challengers in the closing stages.

Kosgei’s return to elite marathon dominance after several years marked a headline moment of the Tokyo Marathon and set the tone for the 2026 World Marathon Majors series.

Women Top Results

• SEE FULL TOKYO MARATHON RESULTS