Tadese Takele won the Tokyo Marathon, finishing in 2:03:23, with Joshua Cheptegei placing ninth. Sutume Asefa Kebede defended her title in the women’s division. Cheptegei acknowledged the warm weather but found positives in his performance. Paula Radcliffe marked her return after ten years with a finish time of 2:57:26.
On March 2nd, Ethiopian Tadese Takele claimed victory in the Tokyo Marathon with a finishing time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 23 seconds, marking his first major marathon title. Takele surged ahead of the competition approximately 4 kilometers from the finish line and improved his personal best by a second. Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta secured second place with a time of 2:03:51, while Kenya’s Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich took third at 2:04:00.
Defending her title in the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede crossed the line in 2:16:31. Following her, Kenya’s Winfridah Moraa Moseti finished in 2:16:56, and Ethiopia’s Hawi Feysa came in third with a time of 2:17:00.
In contrast, Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, renowned for winning Olympic gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m, placed ninth in his second marathon, achieving a time of 2:05:59. Although Cheptegei faced challenges with the unexpectedly warm Tokyo weather, he expressed gratitude for his experience.
Cheptegei reflected on the positives from his performance and his aspirations for future competitions, stating, “I am really satisfied with the result and it can be a build-up for next season.” Notably, Benson Kipruto of Kenya, last year’s Tokyo champion, finished sixth with a time of 2:05:46, while former world record-holder Paula Radcliffe competed at the age of 51, completing the marathon in 2:57:26.
Radcliffe is also scheduled to participate in the Boston Marathon next month, marking her return to the sport after a decade-long hiatus. These marathon results highlight the competitive spirit of the event and the athletes’ commitment to their respective disciplines.
The Tokyo Marathon showcased exceptional performances with Tadese Takele and Sutume Asefa Kebede emerging victorious in their respective races. Noteworthy mentions include Joshua Cheptegei’s strategic approach despite challenges and Paula Radcliffe’s remarkable comeback. These athletes continue to inspire the athletics community as they strive for excellence.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
