Eliud Kipchoge Makes History at 2021 Tokyo Marathon

Eliud Kipchoge became the first human to a full marathon in under 2 hours: (1:59:40) in Vienna, Austria on Saturday, October 12.
Eliud Kipchoge became the first human to a full marathon in under 2 hours: (1:59:40) in Vienna, Austria on Saturday, October 12.
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World record holder Eliud Kipchoge on Sunday, March 6, stunned the world yet again after dominating the 2021 Tokyo Marathon by setting the fastest time ever in Japan's history.

Kipchoge, 37, crossed the finish line at 2:02:40 head of compatriot Amos Kipruto who came second at 2:03:13, while Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola rounded up the top three with a 2:04:14 timeline. 

"I am so proud to win in the streets of Tokyo, where the people have running in their hearts and minds. It’s great to now have won 4 out of the 6 Abbott World Marathon Major races.

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line at the NN Mission Marathon in Netherlands on April 18, 2021.
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge crosses the finish line at the NN Mission Marathon in Netherlands on April 18, 2021.
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"Finally, I want to say I want this world to unite. My win today is to bring positivity in this world," Kipchoge stated minutes after winning the race. 

The legendary athlete began the race at an immense pace- setting the stage for a world record run but unfortunately, a wrong turn in the third 5 kilometre section saw his pace slightly drop. Seemingly unfazed by the event, Kipchoge ran on course and maintained his impressive form in order to emerge victoriously. 

Kenya's Brigid Kosgei also won in the women's marathon, clocking in at 2:16:02 - setting the fastest time ever on Japanese soil. 

Kipchoge had stated in past media interviews that he intended to win every major marathon in the world as well as win the Olympics for the third consecutive time at Paris 2024. 

Kipchoge has already won in London, Chicago, and Berlin- making Tokyo his fourth marathon win as he seeks to collect all six marathon titles, and set another world record.

Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele is the only athlete to emerge among the top three record times- clocking in at 2:01:41 in the 2019 Berlin marathon. Kipchoge still holds the world record of 2:02:37 at the 2019 London Marathon. 

Kipchoge's win in Japan comes a few months after he made history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when he won gold at the men's marathon final with a time of 2:08:38.

At 37, Eliud Kipchoge has been hailed hailed as one of the great marathoners to ever grace the world of athletics, and who far from retiring if his current form is anything to go by.

An athlete celebrates with a Kenyan flag after winning a race
An athlete celebrates with a Kenyan flag after winning a race.
AthleticsKenya