Tokyo Marathon: Brigid Kosgei wins the race in record time

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei set a new record with her big victory in the Tokyo Marathon.

The 32-year-old finished in 2:14:29, more than two minutes ahead of Ethiopian Birtukan Weld, who finished second in 2:16:36.

Welede’s Ethiopian compatriot Hawi Fesa came in third with a time of 2:17:39.

The previous course record was 2:15:55 – set by two-time Tokyo winner Sotom Asefa Kebede in 2024.

Kosgei, who won marathon silver for Kenya at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, plans to represent Türkiye at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“We have a lot of athletes in Kenya,” Kosgei said. “I want the younger generation to follow my example and join me in Türkiye.”

In the men’s race, Ethiopian Tadese Takele defended his title after an exciting race ending with the Kenyan duo, Jeffrey Toroitich and Alexander Mutiso Munyao.

Takele clocked 2:03:37, the same official time as second-placed Torojic, while Muniao finished just one second back in third.

“I knew the final stage would be decisive,” 23-year-old Takele said.

“At about 41 kilometers I wanted to wait and see what would happen and then I made my move just before the finish.”