Ethiopia's Ambesse Tolossa won the Tokyo International Marathon for the first time on Sunday, wrecking local favorite Toshinari Takaoka's hopes of becoming the first runner in the race's history to successfully defend his title in the process.
Ethiopia's Ambesse Tolossa celebrates after winning the Tokyo International Marathon.
Takaoka briefly took the lead after 36 km but 2004 Paris Marathon winner Tolossa made his move at the 37-km point to overtake the Japanese ace and ran the remainder of the race alone, crossing the finish line at National Stadium in 2 hours, 8 minutes, 58 seconds.
Japanese record holder Takaoka, who won his first marathon at this race last year, took second in 2:09:31 while third place went to Kenya's Sammy Korir in 2:10:07.