Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei set a new course record at the Tokyo Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:14:29. Kosgei’s commanding performance placed her more than two minutes ahead of Ethiopia’s Bertukan Welde, who finished second in 2:16:36, with compatriot Hawi Feysa claiming 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. 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. I want some young generation to follow my step to join me in Turkey,” Kosgei said.
In the men’s race, Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele successfully defended his title in a dramatic sprint finish. Takele clocked 2:03:37, the same official time as Kenyan runner Geoffrey Toroitich, with Alexander Mutiso Munyao finishing just one second behind in third.
“I knew that the final stage would be decisive,” said the 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.”
