Eliud Kipchoge to ‘relax and start training’ after worst marathon finish in Tokyo, victory for Benson Kipruto

Former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge suffered a blow in his preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after a disappointing performance in the Tokyo Marathon.

The Kenyan finished in 10th place in Japan, his worst ever placing over 26.2 miles.

His time of 2:06:50 was over five minutes slower than his personal best, set 18 months ago in Berlin.

Worryingly for Kipchoge, he faded badly in the second half of the race, quickly losing ground on the leading pack.

“Something happened in the middle of the race,” the 39-year-old said afterwards, without revealing what the incident was.

“That’s how it is – not every day is Christmas Day. I will go back, relax and start training.”

With Kenya yet to name their three-man squad for Paris, it leaves the two-time Olympic champion potentially at risk of not being selected for Paris.

His case was not helped by compatriot Benson Kipruto winning the race, setting a course-best time of 2:02:16 in the process, over four minutes quicker than Kipchoge.

Timothy Kiplagat was the runner-up, finishing 39 seconds off Kipruto, with Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich completing a 1-2-3 for Kenya in third.

“I am so happy to get the course record,” Kipruto said after running a personal best by two minutes.

“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.”

The women’s race was won by Sutume Asefa Kebede of Ethiopia, who beat defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru from Kenya.

The 29-year-old also set a course-best time of 2:15:55.

“I ran a good time in a major race,” she said. “I hope the Ethiopian Athletics Federation will select me for the Paris Olympics. I would like to win and break the Olympic record.”