Alphonce Felix Simbu won gold in the men’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, early on Monday, becoming the first Tanzanian to win a global title.
The 33-year-old who also finished 2nd in Boston Marathon this year, pipped Anamal Petros of Germany to the finish line to claim the gold medal in a seasonal best time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 48 seconds, the same time as Patros, who bagged silver, while Italian Illias Aouani took bronze in 2:09.53.
It was the first time in history of the World Championships that both top two finishers recorded similar times.
Kennedy Kumutai was the best-placed Kenyan in 16th position, while three Ethiopians did not finish the race.