On Sunday February 24, 2013, some of the best marathoners in the world gathered for the seventh edition of the Tokyo marathon.
Long before the starting gun many observers believed a new course record would be set if the weather co-operated. For the most part, inclement weather has played a big role in the first six years of the event.
There was incredible talent at the start line, and of course many of them were Kenyans.
Defending champion Michael Kipkorir Kipyego was rated as having a chance of a repeat performance, but strong opposition from country-men Dennis Kipruto and James Kwambai was expected.
The race lived up to it's top billing with Dennis Kipruto holding off Michael Kipyego by a mere six seconds to take the victory in the 2013 Tokyo Marathon with a time of 2:06:50
His time was also fast enough to break the course record that has stood since 2008 when Viktor Rothlin of Switzerland set the standard with a clocking of 2:07:23.
Ethiopians took the two top spots on the podium for the elite women.
Aberu Kebede was able to break away from Yeshi Esayias in the final kilometers to claim top spot when she broke the tape in 2:25:34, but just missed the course record of 2:25:28 set by Atsede Hbtamu in 2012.
The Tokyo Marathon of 2013 is the newest member of the World Majors Marathon series and joins Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.
Tokyo is the first of six world-class marathons that will take place in the 2013/2014 season.
By winning the race and breaking the course record, Dennis Kimetto wins $120,000 for his efforts. He will also have a head-start in the World Marathon Majors series.
The elite male and female runners who collect the most points in the series will each win $500,000.
For a look at all the top finishers in the 2013 Tokyo Marathon, visit IronStruck.com.
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