Barnaba Kipkoech defends his title in Japan

Kenya’s Barnaba Kipkoech defended his title at the 13th edition of the Kobe marathon held on Sunday (17) in Kobe, Japan.

The 31 year old who is the race course record holder, led 1-2 Kenyan podium finish as he ran a slower time of 2:12.28, failing to break his own course time of 2:11.19 that he set last year.

Kipkoech was followed in second place by Timothy Kipkorir Kattam in 2:12.32 with Australia’s Liam Boudin wrapping up the podium in 2:12.35.

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Japan’s Akihiro Kaneko and double World Marathon champion Abel Kirui from Kenya finished in fourth and fifth place in respective time of 2:12.51 and 2:14.43.

In women category, Japanese reigned supreme as they took 1 and 2 positions with Natisuki Ogawa winning in 2:36.42 ahead of compatriot Shiho Kaneshige in 2:39.15 as Estonia’s Riine Ringi finished in third in 2:39.33.

Japan’s Ayumu Yokoka and Takano Hot finished in fourth and fifth in a time of 2:42.41 and 2:43.43 respectively.

LEADING RESULTS

42KM MEN

1. Bernard Kipkoech              (KEN) 2:12.28
2. Timothy Kipkorir Kattam (KEN) 2:12.32
3. Liam Boudin                      (AUS) 2:12.35
4. Akihiro Kaneko                  (JPN) 2:12.51
5. Abel Kirui                           (KEN) 2:14.43

42KM WOMEN

1. Natisuki Ogawa     (JPN) 2:36.42
2. Shihi Kaneshige     (JPN) 2:39.15
3. Riine Ringi              (EST) 2:39.33
4. Ayumu Yokoka      (JPN) 2:42.41
5. Takano Hot             (JPN) 2:43.43