Kipyego wins Tokyo Marathon, Gebrselassie 4th

Michael Kipyego of Kenya surged ahead of Haile Gebrselassie with 2½ miles left Sunday to win the Tokyo Marathon for his first career victory.

Kipyego completed the 26.2 miles 2 hours, 7 minutes, 37 seconds.
“I was able to close the gap on Haile,” Kipyego said. “I thought I should hang back for a bit but changed my mind and pushed because there were other runners coming from behind.”

Ethiopia’s Atsede Habtamu won the women’s race in 2:25:28. She was 32 seconds ahead of compatriot Yeshi Esayias. Kenya’s Helena Kirop was third in 2:26:02.

Gebrselassie finished fourth in 2:08:17. He was trying to secure a place on the Ethiopian team for the Olympics but needed to run under 2:04 to boost his chances. Still, the 38-year-old long distance great wasn’t about to give up on going to London. Read more: The Washington Post,  Post Sports