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Kenyan athlete Benson Kipruto emerged victorious in the men’s Tokyo Marathon, clocking a time of two hours, two minutes, and 16 seconds, ahead of his countrymen Timothy Kiplagat and Vincent Ngetich.

Kipruto surpassed the course record previously held by former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge on Sunday, with Kipchoge struggling with the pace and finishing in 10th place.

The 32-year-old Kipruto achieved a significant personal best, elevating him to the fifth-fastest marathon runner of all time in events approved by World Athletics.

“I think I’m ready for the Paris Olympics, I would be happy to represent my country in Paris but that relies on my country for selection. I’m still waiting on that, but I’m ready,”Kipruto told reporters.

The marathon took place less than a month after the tragic passing of world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum in a car accident in Kenya.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede claimed victory over Kenya’s defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru, finishing in two hours, 15 minutes, and 55 seconds.

“I’m truly happy,” the 29-year-old Kebede remarked. “It was a very tactical race. Everything went well and the result was better than I expected.”

Kebede’s compatriot, Amane Beriso, secured third place in two hours, 16 minutes, and 58 seconds, with a lead over Dutch Olympic long-distance track champion Sifan Hassan, who finished in fourth place.

(With input from wires)