Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei and Benard Koech are set to miss the 2025 Tokyo marathon.
Kenya has suffered a major blow in its pursuit of glory at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, as elite athletes Brigid Kosgei and Bernard Koech are set to miss the highly anticipated event scheduled for March 2 in Tokyo.
Kosgei, a formidable contender in the women’s field, has withdrawn from the competition due to difficulties in coping with the demands of preparation.
The 2021 edition winner, Kosgei was widely regarded as Kenya’s best chance for a gold medal, holding the best time in the women’s elite field with an impressive 2:14:04.
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Her absence leaves the Kenyan charge in the women’s race to 2023 winner Rosemary Wanjiru, along with Winfridah Moseti and Magdalyne Masai.
They will face stiff competition from Ethiopian athletes, including defending champion Sutume Kebede, who holds a time of 2:15:55, and Tigist Ketema, with a personal best of 2:16:07, ranking them first and second fastest in the field.
Ethiopia’s Tirunesh Dibaba is also set to miss the event, further shifting the dynamics of the race.
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In the men’s field, Bernard Koech’s withdrawal means Kenya will have to rely on defending champion Benson Kipruto and Vincent Ngetich to uphold the country’s chances.
Kipruto, who boasts the fastest time in the field at 2:02:16, will be leading Kenya’s efforts as he seeks to retain his title.
They will contend with a strong Ethiopian lineup, featuring Deresa Geleta and Birhanu Legese, both of whom pose significant threats.
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With Kosgei and Koech absent, Kenya’s hopes for dominance in Tokyo now rest on the remaining elite athletes to challenge their Ethiopian rivals and secure podium finishes.
