Kenya’s legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge faced a tough challenge at the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, finishing in 10th place behind fellow Kenyan Benson Kipruto.
Kipchoge, a double Olympic champion, expressed resilience despite his disappointing performance, stating, “not every day is Christmas.”
The 39-year-old Kipchoge, known for his unparalleled achievements in the marathon, experienced a significant setback during the race, fading noticeably around the 20-kilometer mark.
Crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 50 seconds, Kipchoge found himself well behind the leading pack.
Meanwhile, Benson Kipruto clinched victory in a remarkable course-record time of 2:02:16, showcasing Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running.
Timothy Kiplagat followed closely behind, securing second place with a time of 2:02:55, while Vincent Ngetich claimed third place, finishing in 2:04:18.
Kipchoge’s struggles became evident as he failed to maintain pace with the leaders, ultimately slipping out of the top 10 by the 35-kilometer mark.
Despite his formidable reputation and early efforts to stay in contention, Kipchoge faced challenges and finished in his lowest position ever at a marathon, a significant contrast to his usual podium finishes.
The race witnessed a fast-paced start, with Kipchoge initially positioned in the lead pack. However, as the kilometers passed, he began to lose ground, eventually being overtaken by the chasing group.
This performance marked a departure from his past successes, including his previous course record of 2:02:40.
