Benson Kipruto, a two-time marathon champion, led a Kenyan sweep at the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday.
He smashed the course record with a blistering time of 2:02:16, dethroning Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge who finished a disappointing 10th.
Kipruto’s victory eclipsed Kipchoge’s previous course record of 2:02:40 set in 2022.
He dominated the race alongside his compatriots Timothy Kiplagat (2nd, 2:02:55) and Vincent Ngetich (3rd, 2:04:18), securing a complete Kenyan podium sweep.
This marks a rare setback for Kipchoge, who was using the Tokyo Marathon as preparation for his Olympic title defense in Paris this summer.
It’s only the third marathon loss of his illustrious career, as he crossed the finish line in 2:06:50.
Other notable Kenyan finishers include Bethwell Kibet (6th, 2:06:26), Simon Kariuki (8th, 2:06:29), and debutant Bedan Karoki (16th, 2:07:59).
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Asefa Kebede claimed victory with a course record time of 2:15:55, surpassing Brigid Kosgei’s previous record. Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru secured second place with a time of 2:16:14.
