Record Run in Tokyo as Brigid Kosgei Dominates Women’s Race

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei delivered a commanding performance to win the women’s division of Sunday’s March 1 Tokyo Marathon, smashing the existing course best with a blistering time of 2:14:29 in the Japanese capital.

Amid warm, dry conditions, the 30‑year‑old long‑distance specialist surged ahead of her rivals, crossing the line more than two minutes ahead of her closest competitor.

The record run extends Kosgei’s stature among the world’s elite marathoners.

Behind her, Ethiopia’s Berukan Welde secured second place in 2:16:36, while compatriot Hawi Feysa finished third, clocking 2:17:39 in the elite field.

Kosgei, already an Olympic silver medallist and former Tokyo champion, controlled the race from the later stages and built a significant lead on her own.

“We have a lot of athletes in Kenya,” she said. “I want some young generation to follow in my step to join me in Turkey.”

The winner also reiterated her long‑term competitive plans, indicating an intention to represent Turkey at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, underscoring her ongoing commitment to global racing.

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Men’s Marathon Decided in Final Stride

The men’s elite race was a far tighter contest, culminating in a dramatic sprint finish between Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele and Kenya’s Geoffrey Toroitich.

Both runners were credited with an official time of 2:03:37, but Takele was declared the victor after edging Toroitich by the narrowest of margins in the last metres of the course.

Kenyan Alexander Mutiso was just one second behind in third place.

“I knew that the final stage would be decisive,” Takele said.

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“Around 41km I wanted to wait and see what would happen and then I made my move right before the finish,” Takele added.

A leading pack of runners, including Takele, Toroitich, Mutiso and Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko, had pulled away from the main field with about five kilometres to go.

The decisive move by Takele proved crucial as he fended off Toroitich’s late charge.

“Today’s race was a great one,” Takele lamented. “There was intense and positive competition, and I’m truly happy that I was able to win.”

The men’s competition had been affected beforehand by notable withdrawals, including Kenyan Timothy Kiplagat and Ethiopian Milkesa Mengesha, both of whom were forced out due to injury, reducing the depth of the field.

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Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele During the Tokyo Marathon in Japan. PHOTO/ File