There are performances that win races. And then there are performances that redefine what's possible on a course.
On Sunday, Brigid Kosgei delivered the latter.
The 32-year-old Kenyan dominated the 2026 Tokyo Marathon from start to finish, crossing the line in 2:14:29 — a new course record that obliterates the previous best of 2:15:55, set by two-time Tokyo winner Sutume Asefa Kebede in 2024.
She finished more than two full minutes ahead of Ethiopia's Bertukan Welde, who ran an excellent 2:16:36 for second place. Welde's compatriot Hawi Feysa completed the podium in 2:17:39.
For Kosgei, it's the latest chapter in a remarkable career. She won marathon silver for Kenya at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 — in the same city where she's now set this course record. The poetic symmetry isn't lost on anyone watching.
In a move that raised eyebrows in the athletics world, Kosgei has announced she plans to represent Turkey at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Her message to Kenyan athletics was characteristically generous: "We have a lot of athletes in Kenya. I want some young generation to follow my step to join me in Turkey."
In the men's race, Ethiopia's Tadese Takele defended his Tokyo title in a breathless sprint finish, clocking 2:03:37 — the exact same official time as Kenya's Geoffrey Toroitich in second, with Alexander Mutiso Munyao just one second back in third.
"Around 41km I wanted to wait and see what would happen, and then I made my move right before the finish," said 23-year-old Takele.
Two races. Two records. One extraordinary day of marathon running. 🏃♀️
