The Tokyo Marathon (co-sponsored by the Tokyo Shimbun and others) was held on the 3rd on a course from in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to in front of Tokyo Station. In the men’s race, Yusuke Nishiyama (Toyota Motor Corporation) finished 9th, the best Japanese marathoner, with a time of 2 hours 6 minutes 31 seconds. Among the Japanese men vying for the remaining spot on the Paris Olympics team, no athlete has broken the Japan Athletics Federation’s set time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, 50 seconds, and Osako, who placed third at the Marathon Grand Championship (MGC) last October, Suguru (Nike) won his second consecutive Olympic ticket.
Benson Kipruto (Kenya) won with a new tournament record time of 2 hours 2 minutes 16 seconds. Kenya Sota (JR East) was the second Japanese rider in 11th place, Japanese record holder Kengo Suzuki (Fujitsu) was 28th, and Kazuki Yamashita (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) was 46th.
Benson Kipruto crosses the finish line in first place among men.
◆I wanted to take my daughter to Paris when she started walking…
At the moment of the goal, Nishiyama covered his face with both hands and openly burst into tears. Even the top Japanese athlete, who had beaten his personal record by more than a minute, fell 41 seconds short of the Olympic-winning time. “I wanted to go to the (Paris) Olympics.” He fought back the frustration that was building up in him and squeezed out his words.
Yusuke Nishiyama looks frustrated after crossing the finish line, both on the 3rd in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
In the early stages, he was in the second group of Japanese athletes vying for the national team, and did not panic even though he collided with another athlete and fell 20km short. Feeling that the pacemaker’s time was slower than the set time, he calmly proceeded with the race, saying, “Let’s attack in the second half.”
After the 33rd kilometer, he became the top Japanese and outperformed the set record (2 hours, 5 minutes, 50 seconds) required to qualify for the Olympic team, but he stalled after the crucial 35th kilometer. “I thought it was my last Olympic challenge. I won’t give up.” He gritted his teeth and moved his legs as hard as he could, but his dream gave way.
He finished 46th at last fall’s “Marathon Grand Championship (MGC)” national selection event, and retirement was on his mind. However, with the support of his wife and the sight of his 1-year-old daughter, who has just started walking, trying to climb the stairs, he said, “I want to work a little harder and grow up like my daughter. I want to take her family to Paris.” Ta.
Since then, I have been repeating reflection and improvement every day. Although he faced the signal gun with confidence, saying, “I’m in the best condition I’ve ever been in,” I can’t help but feel disappointed, saying, “I wasn’t strong enough.” Regarding his future, he only said, “I want to take time to think about it,” and ended his bid for the Paris Olympics. (Yotaro Watanabe)
◆Japanese record holder Kengo Suzuki ranks 28th due to injury
Kengo Suzuki running with all his might
The men’s Suzuki stalled after 27 kilometers and finished in 28th place with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 19 seconds, nearly six and a half minutes slower than the Japanese record set in 2021. It was the culmination of four years in which he was unable to participate in the Tokyo Olympics, thinking, “The next (Paris) Olympics is the one.” He accepted the loss, saying, “I simply didn’t have the strength.”
Suffering from a series of injuries, there were times when he almost lost sight of his goal. With the support of those around him, he was in perfect condition and completed his first full marathon in two years. “It’s been a long time since I was able to properly stand on the starting line and finish.” His path to Paris was closed, but he looked forward, saying, “I love running, and I want to do it so I can continue.”
◆ Kazuki Yamashita “I wasn’t in a condition to compete”
Kazuki Yamashita sank to 46th place among men.
Yamashita, a male athlete who set a time of 2 hours, 5 minutes and 51 seconds, the third best time in Japan’s history at the previous tournament, fell to 46th place, more than 11 minutes slower than his personal record. There was tension from his buttocks to the back of his left thigh, and after he weighed 8 kilograms, he could no longer use his strength. He fell behind the top group of Japanese riders, and reflected, “I wasn’t in any condition to compete.”
I’m planning on taking a break for a while. “Next year is the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, so I want to do my best on the track,” he said, setting a new goal.
◆Kipruto wins tournament against Kenyan team in new V
He didn’t even look tired and crossed the finish line with a smile on his face. Kipruto won the race in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 16 seconds, beating out the competition from fellow Kenyans. “I’m glad I was able to set the course record. It felt good running.” He breezed through Tokyo in the best time in Japan.
Benson Kipruto smiles at the awards ceremony after winning the men’s race
Kipchoge, the former world record holder, fell behind at the 20km mark and lost his pacemaker at the 25km mark, but he continued at a faster pace than the world record until after the 30km mark. “I didn’t realize the pace was that fast. I wouldn’t be surprised if I broke the world record. I’ve been practicing like that.” The leading group was narrowed down to three Kenyans. From 30km onwards, it became a rush and the pace slowed down. After 38 km, Kipruto made a spurt and remained in the lead.
His winning time improved his personal best by 1 minute 46 seconds and broke Kipchoge’s tournament record by 24 seconds, making him the fifth-fastest in world history. He showed off his speed and competitive strength and greatly appealed to the Paris Olympics team. “I’d be happy to be on the national team. I’m ready to run.” A confident 32 year old. She envisioned her run in Paris this summer. (Masanori Moriai)