Kenya’s Jepchirchir wins women’s marathon gold at worlds in Tokyo

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir edged Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in a thrilling sprint finish at Tokyo’s National Stadium to win the women’s marathon at the world championships on Sunday, adding the world title to the Olympic crown she won in Sapporo in 2021.

The 31-year-old broke the tape after two hours, 24 minutes and 43 seconds, just two seconds ahead of Paris silver medalist Assefa.

In the wide-open battle for bronze, a surprised Julia Paternain triumphed to give Uruguay its first-ever medal at the worlds, clocking 2:27.23 in her first world championships.