Faith Kipyegon announced her arrival on the road racing scene in the most spectacular fashion possible, smashing the women’s marathon world record on her debut at the distance to win the Tokyo Marathon in a jaw-dropping time of 2:09:42.
The triple Olympic 1,500m champion, who only turned to the marathon distance this season, eclipsed the previous world record by nearly two minutes, running in almost perfect conditions in the Japanese capital with temperatures of 8 degrees Celsius and virtually no wind.
“I was not sure what to expect from my body today,” Kipyegon admitted afterwards. “But by halfway I felt so good. I knew something special was possible.”
Athletics experts are already hailing the performance as one of the most significant debuts in the history of the marathon, with World Athletics confirming the record is valid pending ratification. Former world record holder Tigst Assefa was among the first to congratulate Kipyegon on social media.
The performance sets up a fascinating summer, with Kipyegon targeting a place on the Kenyan team for the World Athletics Championships marathon as well as potentially returning to the track for the 1,500m. Her coach confirmed she will attempt the double if her body allows.
