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The Nairobian

Ethiopian athletes snatch top positions in Tokyo Marathon

Athletics

By Clinton Nyabuto | Mar 04, 2019

**Ethiopian veteran Birhanu Legese won in the men's category after clocking 2:04:48 [Courtesy]**

Ethiopian athletes controlled the 13th Tokyo Marathon as they snatched the top positions in both men and women categories in a race held in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, March 2, 2019.

Ethiopian veteran Birhanu Legese won in the men's category after clocking 2:04:48 ahead of Kenyans Bedan Karoki and Dickson Chumba who clocked 2:06:48 and 2:08:44 respectively.

Kenya’s Simon Kariuki came fourth in the race after making it to the tape after two hours nine minutes and 41 seconds.

**A record of 38,000 athletes participated in the race which was characterised by low temperatures [Courtesy]**

In the women's category it was an Ethiopian showdown as they bagged the top three positions.

Ruti Aga proved too hot for her competitors clocking 2:20:40 as her counterpart Helen Tola finished second clocking 2:21:01. Shure Demise followed Tola closely crossing the finishing line four seconds later.

Florence Kiplagat clocked 2:21:50 to grab the fourth position for the Kenyan side with her counterpart Joan Chelimo settling for the eighth position after two hours, 26 minutes and 54 seconds.

Kenyan-born Bahrain long distance runner Rose Chelimo finished ninth in the race after clocking 2:30:35 with Kenyan Ruth Chebitok following closely in the 10th position clocking 2:31:19.

Ethiopian marathon debutant Mao Ichiyama settled for the seventh position in the women's category after clocking 2:24:33.

A record of 38,000 athletes participated in the race which was characterised by low temperatures due showers experienced in the Japan capital.