Kenya’s Dickson Chumba recaptures Tokyo Marathon title

Kenya’s Dickson Chumba achieved victory at the 2018 Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, winning his second title in Japan’s capital, having previously won in 2014.

The 31-year-old Chumba crossed the finish line in 2:05:30, beating local runner Yuta Shitara, who finished in 2:06:11 and broke the Japanese record of 2:06:16 set by Toshinari Takaoka in Chicago in 2002.

The women’s title went to Ethiopia’s Birhane Dibaba, who finished in a time of 2:19:51. She also captured her second Tokyo title after her previous victory in 2015.

Last year's champion, Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang, dropped out of the race after just 15 kilometers.

“Next year I’ll ty to run 2:04” - Chumba

After achieving his second victory in Tokyo, the Kenyan athlete said he wants to improve his time next year.

“Although I missed cracking 2:05, I am happy with the time,” Chumba said. “Next year, I would like to come back and run a 2:04.”

Via Twitter, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta congratulated Chumba for his feat.

"You have made us proud," the President wrote.

Shitara achieves fastest time in history for a Japanese man

The 26-year-old Shitara collapsed to the ground after crossing the line in 2:06:51, the fastest time in history for a Japanese man.

“The work I’ve been doing in training has paid off, so I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing, and I think the results will come,” Shitara was cited as saying by The Japan News.

“Honestly, around the 32-kilometer point, I thought I was out of it, but the support of family and co-workers gave me the strength to push ahead.

“I wasn’t trying for a record - as I said at the press conference yesterday, I just wanted to finish inside 2:09 - but I’m thrilled to have set it,” added Shitara, whose previous best time was 2:09:03.

2018 Tokyo Marathon podium finishers

Men

1. Dickson Chumba (KEN)—2:05:30

2. Yuta Shitara (JPN)—2:06:11

3. Amos Kipruto (KEN)—2:06:33

Women

1. Birhane Dibaba (ETH)—2:19:51

2. Ruti Aga (ETH)—2:21:19

3. Amy Cragg (USA)—2:21:42