Kosgei Shatters Tokyo Marathon Course Record, Takele Defends Title in Thrilling Sprint Finish
Tokyo, Japan – Brigid Kosgei of Kenya delivered a stunning performance at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon, setting a new course record of 2:14:29. Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele successfully defended his title in a dramatic three-way sprint to the finish.
Kosgei Dominates Women’s Race
The 32-year-old Kosgei pulled away from two-time defending champion Sutume Kebede of Ethiopia after 20 miles, ultimately shattering Kebede’s previous course record of 2:15:55 set in 2024. Kosgei’s time is the seventh-fastest in history and came close to her personal best of 2:14:04, which established a women’s-only world record in 2019. World Athletics
Bertukan Welde of Ethiopia secured second place with a personal best of 2:16:36, although Hawi Feysa, also of Ethiopia, and Kebede finished in a dead heat for third place at 2:17:39. Runner’s World
This victory marks Kosgei’s sixth World Marathon Major title, adding to her wins at the 2018 and 2019 Chicago Marathons, the 2019 and 2020 London Marathons, and the 2021 Tokyo Marathon. Runner’s World
Takele Wins in Thrilling Sprint
Tadese Takele of Ethiopia retained his Tokyo Marathon title in a nail-biting finish, clocking 2:03:37 alongside Kenya’s Geoffrey Toroitich. Alexander Mutiso Munyao of Kenya finished just behind in 2:03:38. Runner’s World
Daniel Mateiko, also of Kenya, finished fourth with a time of 2:03:44, making it four men finishing under 2:04. Runner’s World
Takele’s win comes after a disappointing DNF at the World Championships marathon in Tokyo last September. Runner’s World
Other Notable Performances
Muktar Edris of Ethiopia achieved a personal best of 2:04:06, while Iliass Aouani of Italy set a new national record of 2:04:26. Runner’s World
American Casey Clinger finished 24th overall with a time of 2:08:43, a significant improvement from his debut marathon in Chicago. Runner’s World
Nearly 40,000 athletes participated in the marathon, which took place in mild conditions with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to 60 degrees and light winds. Runner’s World
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