Fireworks expected in Japan as Kipruto, Cheptegei set for epic clash during Tokyo Marathon

Fireworks are expected during the Tokyo Marathon when 2024 Olympic marathon bronze medalist Benson Kipruto will be eyeing to secure back-to-back victories in the Japanese streets on 2 March.
The 33-year-old will return to the course where he dazzled in March 2024, clocking a remarkable 2:02:16 to lead a Kenyan podium sweep. Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55) and Vincent Kipkemoi (2:04:18) completed the podium.
However, Kipruto faces a fresh and formidable challenger in the 2024 Olympic 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, who is set for his second marathon appearance.
Cheptegei’s entry into the marathon has added an extra layer of intrigue to the Tokyo showdown.
“We are set for world-class racing. Kipruto will be striving to defend his crown while Cheptegei looks to make a statement in the marathon. Expect fierce competition to the finish,” said race director Yasuhiro Oshima in a statement.
Kipruto holds an impeccable résumé over the 42km distance.
His Tokyo triumph in 2024 earned him a spot in Kenya’s marathon team for the Paris Olympics, where he secured bronze in 2:07:00 behind Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola (2:06:26)) and Belgium’s Bashir Abdi (2:06:47).
While Kipruto capped 2024 with a lackluster fourth-place finish at the Kolkata 25km race (1:13:25), his pedigree on the marathon circuit speaks volumes.
He boasts victories at the 2021 Boston Marathon, where he cut the tape in 2:09:51 leading Ethiopians Lemi Berhanu (2:19:37) and Jemal Yimer (2:10:38).
In 2022, he stormed to a 2:04:24 finish in Chicago leading Seifu Tura Abdiwak of Ethiopia (2:04:49) and John Korir (2:05:01).
He clocked 2:04:02 in 2023 at the Chicago Marathon where the late Kelvin Kiptum set a World record time of 2:00:35.
Cheptegei’s marathon journey began in December 2023, when he debuted in Valencia, finishing 37th in 2:08:59.
However, the Ugandan Half Marathon credentials are elite with a 59:46 victory at the 2024 New Delhi Half Marathon.
Cheptegei holds a fourth-place finish from the 2020 World Half Marathon Championships, clocking 59:21 as well as a third-place finish (1:02:09) from the 2023 New York Half Marathon.
While Cheptegei’s marathon experience is limited, his dominance on the track is nothing short of impressive, boasting three World titles in the 10,000m (2019, 2022, 2023).
At the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he claimed gold double in the 5, 000m and the 10,000m.
Kenya’s charge in Tokyo also includes third-place finisher from last year’s race Kipkemoi and 2022 Amsterdam Marathon champion Titus Kipruto, both ready to push for glory.
In the women’s race, 2020 Olympic silver medalist, Brigid Kosgei headlines the field, aiming for her second Tokyo title after her 2021 triumph (2:16:02).
Kosgei brings a wealth of experience to Tokyo that includes two Chicago titles (2018 and 2019) and two London titles (2019 and 2020).
Defending champion Sutume Kebede and 2023 Tokyo winner Rosemary Wanjiru will provide stiff competition, alongside 2024 Dubai Marathon champion Tigist Ketema.