Eliud Kipchoge records fourth-fastest time in marathon history
World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge on Sunday morning posted the fastest time ever in Japan to win the Tokyo Marathon at 2:02:40. And this was the fourth-fastest time in the history of marathon.
Barely a year after winning the Olympics gold in the marathon, all eyes were on the global superstar and he won in style, beating compatriot Amos Kipruto who fell behind after the 35km mark and was not able to catch up.
Despite a wrong turn that cost athletes close to 10 seconds thereby affecting their rhythm, Kipchoge did not bluff as he raced in fairly windy conditions to post the fourth-fastest time in marathon history.
It was the first time spectators were allowed to cheer the athletes along the Tokyo streets and the 37-year-old Kipchoge could not hide his joy after his latest win.
“I’m really happy. I’m excited again to be in Japan, especially after winning the Olympic Games last year in Sapporo,” he said.
“I really, really, really appreciate the crowd. I think the Japanese are really helpful. That’s why I say in the press that I run strong in Japan.”
The Tokyo win was Kipchoge’s 9th in the last decade, spelling his dominance in the marathon.
He has won the Chicago (once), London (4 times), Berlin (3 times), and the Olympics (twice) over the past decade.
In the women’s race, world-record holder Brigid Kosgei, won the race in 2:16:02, the third-fastest women’s time in history. The Kenyan prevailed by 1:56 over Ethiopian Ashete Bekere. Kosgei posted the third ever fastest time ever by a female athlete to tear apart the rest of the field.
Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia came in 3rd in 2:18:18 as five women went 2:19:10 or faster. Angela Tanui came in fourth (2:18:42) with Gebrekidan Kidan finishing fifth in 2:19:10.
