Ethiopian Runners Dominate 2023 Tokyo Marathon

Ethiopians Tadese Takele and Sutume Kebede won the Tokyo Marathon, achieving remarkable times of 2:03:23 and 2:16:31 respectively. Joshua Cheptegei successfully transitioned to marathon running, finishing ninth in 2:05:56. Former world record holder Paula Radcliffe returned after ten years, clocking 2:57:26. No Canadian athletes participated in the elite races.

Ethiopian runners Tadese Takele and Sutume Kebede triumphed in their respective categories at the Tokyo Marathon held on a splendid spring day in Japan. Takele claimed victory in the men’s event with a personal-best time of 2:03:23. His fellow countryman Deresa Geleta finished second at 2:03:51, while Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich of Kenya came in third at 2:04:00.

Meanwhile, Kebede led the women’s race from the outset, securing her second consecutive victory in the Tokyo Marathon with a time of 2:16:31. Following her was Winfridah Moraa Moseti of Kenya in 2:16:56, and Hawi Feysa from Ethiopia finished third at 2:17:00. Notably, Kebede had set a Japanese all-comers’ record of 2:15:55 in the previous year’s event.

In the men’s competition, the top Japanese athlete was Tubasa Ichiyama, who finished 10th with a time of 2:06:00, while Yuka Ando claimed the 10th position in the women’s race with a result of 2:23:37. It is worth mentioning that no Canadian athletes participated in either the men’s or women’s elite races.

Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, an accomplished track athlete with two Olympic gold medals, announced his full departure from track events. Having transitioned to marathon running, he made his debut earlier this year, finishing 37th in Valencia with a time of 2:08:59. During the Tokyo Marathon, Cheptegei aimed to keep pace with defending champion Benson Kipruto and successfully finished ninth with a personal best of 2:05:56.

Additionally, former world record holder Paula Radcliffe from Great Britain, competing in her first marathon in a decade, clocked a time of 2:57:26. The 51-year-old athlete announced plans to participate in the Boston Marathon next month, aspiring to complete all six major marathons after concluding her professional career in 2015.

The Tokyo Marathon showcased remarkable performances by Ethiopian runners Tadese Takele and Sutume Kebede, each securing victories in their respective races. With Kebede’s impressive record-setting performance in the previous year and Cheptegei’s successful transition to marathon running, the event highlighted the evolution of distance running athletes. Former record holder Paula Radcliffe’s return further emphasized the competitive spirit in the marathon community.

Original Source: www.cbc.ca