Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele and Sutume Asefa Kebede emerged victorious in the Tokyo Marathon, showcasing their prowess in the grueling race. Takele, a former Olympic steeplechaser, seized the men’s title with a remarkable finish time of 2:03:23, outpacing his compatriot Deresa Geleta and Kenya’s Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich. The scorching temperatures posed a challenge, causing even the defending men’s champion, Benson Kipruto, to falter.

On the women’s front, Kebede made history by clinching a consecutive win in the women’s category, clocking an impressive 2:16:31. She left behind strong contenders like Winfridah Moraa Moseti from Kenya and Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa. Notably, legendary runner Paula Radcliffe made a comeback to marathon running after a hiatus, showing her enduring passion for the sport despite finishing further down the ranks.

In a strategic move, Takele surged ahead in the final 3km, breaking away from his rivals and securing his lead. This victory marked a significant milestone in his budding marathon career, setting a new personal best and expressing aspirations to excel further, aiming for Olympic glory in the future. Meanwhile, Cheptegei, a two-time track Olympic champion, reflected on his performance, acknowledging the challenges posed by the weather conditions but remaining optimistic about his progress and future races.

The Tokyo Marathon not only showcased the competitive spirit of elite athletes but also highlighted the resilience and determination required to conquer such a demanding event. As Takele and Kebede basked in their well-deserved triumphs, their victories underscored Ethiopia’s strong presence in the world of marathon running. The event served as a platform for athletes to push their limits, inspire others, and pave the way for future success on the global stage.