Two-time Olympic Marathon Champion and world record holder Eliud Kipchoge has won the Tokyo Marathon in Japan.

Kipchoge clocked 2:02:40 during the Sunday event.

However, Kipchoge who was defending his marathon title at Sapporo at the Tokyo Games in 2021 narrowly missed his world record mark by slightly over a minute.

The athlete was beside himself with joy at his latest win and called for the world’s unity. He dedicated his win to bringing positivity to the world.

“I am so proud to win in the streets of Tokyo, where the people have running in their heart and minds. It’s great to now have won 4 out of the 6 Abbott World Marathon Major races. Finally, I want to say I want this world to unite. My win today is to bring positivity in this world,” Eliud said.

Kipchoge was followed by fellow Kenyan Amos Kipruto who clocked 2:03:13. Ethiopian Tamirat Tola came in third at 2:04:14.

Fellow compatriot Brigid Kosgei also won the women’s race clocking 2:16:02, the 3rd-fastest time ever by a female in the marathon.

She finished the race ahead of Ashete Kebere and Gotytom Gebreslase both from Ethiopia who came in second at 2:17:58 and 2:18:18 respectively.