Kosgei smashes course record in Tokyo as Takele defends title in thrilling sprint finish

The Kenyan star was in a class of her own in warm, dry conditions, finishing more than two minutes clear of her nearest challenger. Ethiopia’s Berukan Welde claimed second in 2:16:36, followed by compatriot Hawi Feysa in 2:17:39.

Kosgei, a former Tokyo champion and Olympic silver medallist, underlined her dominance with a commanding solo run over the closing stages. The 30-year-old has said she plans to compete for Turkey at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

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

Earlier, the men’s race delivered a dramatic sprint finish as Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele successfully defended his Tokyo Marathon title, edging Kenya’s Geoffrey Toroitich to win in 2hr 3min 37sec.

Takele and Toroitich were given the same official time after a thrilling battle down the final stretch, with Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso just one second back 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.”

A leading pack featuring Takele, Toroitich, Mutiso and Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko broke clear at around the 37km mark. Takele’s late surge proved decisive as he held off Toroitich’s last-gasp challenge on the line.

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