Arab News Japan

TOKYO: African runners dominated both races at the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, taking the top six positions in the men’s race, with Kenyan runners finishing 1-2-3, while three Africans took the top three places in the women’s race.

The race was overshadowed by the death of Kenyan world record holder Kelvin Kiptum in a car crash on February 11 at the age of 24.

Benson Kipruto won the race in a course record time of two hours, two minutes, and 16 seconds, outpacing Timothy Kiplagat by 39 seconds. Vincent Ngetich was third, two minutes behind the winner.

The women’s race was won by Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede in two hours, 15 minutes and 55 seconds, ahead of Kenyan Rosemary Wanjiru (2:16:14) and fellow Ethiopian Amane Beriso Shankule (2:16:58).

Kenya’s double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge struggled despite the fair weather and could only manage 10th place.

The marathon left from Tokyo City Hall and visited some famous sites in Tokyo, such as the Nihonbashi Bridge, the Thunder Gate of the Asakusa Shrine, Hibiya Park, and the Imperial Palace. The runners finished near Tokyo Station in the Marunouchi district.